A hundred flavors of life

Chapter 1412: She banged her forehead against the stone in my hand!

Although Suzhou is a water town in the Jiangnan region with a network of rivers, it was not easy to eat fish in this era.

Fresh fish in the market were supplied with "fish tickets," making them scarce and hard to buy. Even if you had a ticket, you would only use it to improve your meals during holidays like the Lunar New Year.

Fish and shrimp in rivers and lakes belong to the collective and are not allowed to be caught by private individuals.

Fishing without using fishing gear or catching fish by hand is not explicitly prohibited.

But fishing is a skill that requires not only time but also experience. Even if you have the skill, you can only go fishing on weekends because you have to work during the week. Moreover, the catch depends on luck. Just look at Yan Bugui in the courtyard house to see that it is unlikely that you can enjoy a good fish meal.

Catching fish by hand requires exceptional swimming skills, and very few people possess this ability. Out of a hundred people who can swim, one might be considered capable of it.

Therefore, when Grandpa Zhuang and Grandma Zhuang learned that their grandson Xiang Pengfei had the ability to catch fat fish from the river with his bare hands, they felt that the fish caught by their grandson should be given to them as a token of their respect.

That's why he asked his son, Zhuang Chaoying, for fish, as if it were only natural.

Hearing her parents' words, Zhuang Chaoying looked somewhat troubled:

“Dad, Mom, catching fish in the water is dangerous. Pengfei catches fish to help Huang Ling get better, but I've stopped him from doing it since I came back.”

"What's dangerous?"

Grandma Zhuang disagreed: "Boys are better off being tough. Besides, he did a pretty good job catching them before!"

Zhuang Chaoying had been brainwashed by her parents since childhood, and even though she felt something was wrong, she didn't know how to refute it, so she could only stand up:
"I'm going back first. Huang Ling isn't fully recovered yet, and someone has to stay home with her."

He said nothing more, turned and left the old house, his mother's reminder coming from behind: "Zhendong and Zhenbei are your own nephews, don't forget to have Pengfei deliver the fish."

Stepping out of his parents' house, the summer sun was so bright it was hard to open his eyes. The sounds of children playing and laughing filled the air. Passersby couldn't help but smile as they watched the children playing. But Zhuang Chaoying couldn't smile at all. He didn't know how to go home and tell his nephew, and he couldn't bring himself to say it.

On his way home, he walked very slowly. When he reached the alley, his neighbors greeted him, and he responded somewhat absentmindedly.

When she got home, Huang Ling was washing vegetables. Seeing that her husband looked upset, she put down what she was doing.

"What's wrong? Did Mom and Dad say something?"

Zhuang Chaoying recounted what had happened at her parents' house, then lowered her head, her brow furrowed in worry.

Upon hearing this, Huang Ling immediately exploded and threw the vegetables into the sink:
"How could they do this? How old is Pengfei? It's so dangerous to go fishing! I've already told him not to go anymore, but they still want him to deliver fish all the time?"

"They are Pengfei's maternal grandparents. Didn't they think about the child's safety?"

"Don't get agitated."

How could I not be excited?

Huang Ling's eyes reddened:

“Zhuang Chaoying, tell me yourself, is this how an elder should speak? My daughter-in-law is sick and you don’t care, my grandchildren come to ask for help and you’re cold and sarcastic. Now that you hear your grandson can catch fish, you’re thinking of taking advantage of him.”

"Do they only care about the American family? Do they treat us like family? If something happens to Pengfei, how will they explain it to Hualin?"

Zhuang Chaoying lowered her head in silence:
"Don't say that, they might not have considered everything that thoroughly!"

Just then, Hua Shier and several children walked in from outside. Zhuang Tunan and Zhuang Xiaoting thought their parents were arguing, and they looked at them anxiously.

Hua Twelve had overheard the entire conversation and smiled as he spoke:

"Aunt, please don't be angry."

"Didn't Grandma give me thirty yuan before, saying it was for my living expenses? I'll send two fish over tomorrow as a way of returning the favor."

Huang Ling immediately became anxious: "What favors do you, a child, have to do? Besides, I already returned the money your mother gave me, and you don't need it."

"Auntie!"

Hua Shier interrupted her, his tone gentle:
"Although I didn't use the money, I appreciate the sentiment. Sending two fish was not only out of respect for my uncle and mother, but also because it's a matter of principle for me."

He wasn't just saying that for show; he's always been very clear about right and wrong.

But at this point, Hua Shier paused, then smiled again:
"But there are only these two fish; once you want more, there won't be any left!"

Hearing these words, Zhuang Chaoying felt even worse.

An eleven-year-old child dared to express his thoughts, and his reasoning was sound and logical, even more so than his uncle.

Before Huang Ling could say anything more, Hua Shier had already turned and left: "I'm going to check if Tu Nan and the others have finished their homework."

The next day, Hua Shier indeed caught two plump grass carp and had Zhuang Tunan deliver them to his maternal grandparents' house. He didn't go himself, too lazy to go and see the Zhuang family's insincere gestures.

Grandpa and Grandma Zhuang were very happy to receive the fish and praised Pengfei for being sensible. However, after waiting for two days and not receiving any more fish, their expressions turned sour.

It was a weekend, and unexpectedly, Grandpa Zhuang and Grandma Zhuang, along with their second son Zhuang Ganmei and his family, arrived at Zhuang Chaoying's house without being invited.

Although Huang Ling was unhappy, she couldn't be impolite, so she stir-fried some vegetables and steamed rice, setting out a table.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was harmonious at first, but after the meal, when the family started talking, their true intentions began to show.

Grandma Zhuang held Hua Twelve's hand with a kind expression, praising him incessantly:

“Pengfei is such a good boy, so sensible and capable. Your grandfather and cousin both said the two fish you sent were delicious, and your grandmother even ate an extra half bowl of rice!”

Hua Shier smiled and agreed, but didn't continue the conversation.

Seeing that he wasn't responding, Grandma Zhuang had no choice but to speak directly:
“Pengfei, look at your two cousins, Zhendong and Zhenbei. They are at the age of growing up. Since you know how to catch fish and have this ability, you should send some over often to supplement your two cousins’ nutrition. Your grandfather and I are also getting old and need to eat fish to nourish our bodies.”

The atmosphere in the room froze instantly.

Huang Ling's face darkened, and Zhuang Chaoying also frowned.

Hua Shier still wore that gentle smile, but his words caused the Zhuang couple's expressions to change:
"Grandma, I can't send this fish away."

Why can't it be delivered?

Zhuang Ganmei chimed in from the side:
"Pengfei, your uncle has something to say to you. You'd go fishing in the river for your aunt, but you won't for your cousin? Besides, your grandparents can eat fish to nourish themselves. You're a good kid, you can't be so heartless."

Hua Shier laughed, looking at Zhuang Ganmei, and asked clearly:

"Uncle, how many times have you come to see me since I came to Suzhou? How many times have my grandparents come to see me?"

Zhuang Ganmei was taken aback: "I've been busy, your grandparents are getting old, it's not convenient for them to come over."

"Are you so busy that you can't come even once?"

Hua Shier turned to Grandma Zhuang, "Grandma, you said you came to see me this time. But I want to ask, did you come to see me, or to get the fish?"

Well, the conversation has completely fallen silent.

Grandpa Zhuang slammed his hand on the table: "How dare you talk to your uncle and grandmother like that!"

Huang Ling immediately pulled Hua Shier behind her, her voice turning cold:

"Dad, is Pengfei wrong? Didn't you come here this time to ask for fish?"

"Huang Ling, who are you talking to?" Grandpa Zhuang was so angry that his face turned red.

"You have to be reasonable with everyone you talk to. You're an elder, but don't make things difficult for a child!"

Huang Ling went all out:

“Pengfei risked his life to catch fish in the water to help me recover. I was so worried about him. After I found out, I was constantly on my guard and told him every day not to go anymore. But you guys, instead of worrying about the child's safety, you let him take the child there all the time?”

"You are the child's own maternal grandparents, didn't you ever think about what would happen if Pengfei got into trouble? What if he was in danger?"

Grandma Zhuang's face was pale:
"How can we not be worried? It's just that we're thinking of helping each other out as family. Pengfei is Zhendong and Zhenbei's older brother. It's only right for an older brother to help his younger brother, just like..."

Her gaze fell on her eldest son: "Just like how Chao Ying helped catch up with America, isn't this just a matter of course?"

"Mutual assistance? It's only natural?" Huang Ling sneered.

“Dad, Mom, Chaoying has been giving you all his salary since he started working. Even after he got married, he still gave it all to you every month. Later, when we had Tunan, it wasn’t enough, so I forced him to ask you for half of his salary back. When we had Xiaoting, I forced him to take some back again. Even now, Zhuang Chaoying has to give you 25 yuan of his salary.”

"When I was sick, what did you do to help me? When the children came to us for help, what did you do to help them? Now that you hear Pengfei can catch fish, you're saying you'll help each other out?"

"Huang Ling!"

Zhuang Chaoying, feeling embarrassed, suddenly stood up and said, "Why are you saying all this!"

Grandpa Zhuang pointed at Zhuang Chaoying, his hand trembling:

"Did you see that? Your wife has gone completely mad! Chaoying, are you just going to watch her talk to your parents like that?"

Zhuang Chaoying said to Huang Ling with a stern face, "Huang Ling, apologize to Mom and Dad!"

Huang Ling turned her head away to wipe her tears, remaining silent.

At this moment, Hua Twelve stepped forward and stood in front of Huang Ling:

"Grandpa, Uncle, did Aunt lie just now? Did she lie?"

Zhuang Chaoying was stunned and didn't speak. Grandpa Zhuang also had nothing to say.

Hua Shier continued:
"Since Auntie wasn't lying and was telling the truth, why is she apologizing? Also, I heard that Grandpa and Grandma both have retirement pensions, and the Guo family provides for your retirement. They have enough money to live on. Retired workers like you also get medical expenses reimbursed, so you don't need any money. Why do you still need Uncle's pension and make Uncle's family live a very tight life?"

"Furthermore, in Guizhou, it's customary for whichever child lives with their parents to support them in their old age. The parents' house and savings will also go to that child!"

Isn't it like this in Suzhou?

"Grandpa and Grandma live with my younger uncle and they also receive my older uncle's salary. Does that mean we should give the house to my older uncle in the future? Or should we give him all our savings?"

His words, spoken in a child's voice, were clear, concise, and fast, causing the villagers' faces to change.

Zhuang Chaoying and Huang Ling both looked surprised. The latter wiped away her tears, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly. Her nephew's words had really touched Huang Ling's heart.

But Zhuang Ganmei and his wife weren't in the mood for that; the former immediately scolded them:

"Pengfei, shut up! Who gives you the right to interrupt when adults are talking!"

Zhuang Ganmei's wife also said anxiously, "What kind of child is this? What did he say? Look how angry he has made his parents!"

Sure enough, at this moment, Grandpa Zhuang and Grandma Zhuang turned pale with anger, and their lips trembled.

Hua Shier pretended to be confused and asked, "Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, I just don't understand, why are you all angry?"

Actually, there's no need to ask. Hua Shier already knows perfectly well that what he said is like publicly humiliating Zhuang's parents. They are biased towards Zhuang Ganmei, wanting to leave the house and savings to her, and even wanting Zhuang Chaoying to contribute money to the family.

Now that Hua Shier has made it so clear, it's tantamount to public execution. They neither want to give the property to the eldest son nor want to cut off the eldest son's filial piety, so they are all furious.

"You still said that!"

Zhuang Ganmei immediately tried to slap Hua Shier.

Zhuang Chaoying immediately stepped forward to stop her younger brother, and then said to Grandpa and Grandma Zhuang:

"Dad, Mom, Pengfei is still young, he doesn't understand anything. Please don't be angry with her. Huang Ling just said those words because she felt sorry for him. We didn't have any other intentions!"

Zhuang Ganmei was so angry that her face turned red and her neck bulged.

"Just because you're a child doesn't mean you can be so ignorant, does that mean the adults taught you to say these things? Brother, tell me yourself, did you know how hard it was for your parents to raise you? What's wrong with asking you to give some money to support your parents? Are you unhappy about that?"

Zhuang Chaoying quickly said, "No one taught Pengfei to say these things. It's only right that I take care of my parents. I have no complaints!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Ling's eyes darkened, and her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she remained silent.

Grandpa Zhuang turned pale with anger, glanced at his eldest son, and then pointed at Zhuang Pengfei:
"This kid needs to be disciplined. He has no manners at all. I need to call your sister and tell her to keep an eye on her son!"

Hua Twelve said calmly:
“Okay, then you can make the call. I also need to call my mom to tell her that her son is in Suzhou and being forced by his grandparents to go into the water to catch fish to supplement his nutrition for his cousin.”

Grandpa Zhuang was so choked up that his face turned completely red.

Zhuang Ganmei's wife muttered under her breath, "I didn't force you. It's just asking you to deliver some fish."

"Want some fish?"

Hua Shier looked at her:

"Auntie, your son wants to eat fish, why don't you go and catch some?"

Why didn't your husband, my brother-in-law, go and arrest him?

"You made me, an eleven-year-old child, risk going into the water, while you sat at home waiting to be served? Is that reasonable?"

"Besides, that day my uncle took me back to my maternal grandfather's house and said he was going to send me away. Then I didn't even get to eat lunch at your house. No one asked me if I had eaten or if I was hungry. It wasn't until several hours later when my eldest uncle arrived that I finally got a hot meal. You treated me badly, so why should I catch fish for your son to eat?"

These words left no room for tact, so blunt that no one could refute them, and Zhuang Ganmei's wife was enraged and embarrassed:
"How did your mother raise you? You ill-mannered brat!"

Hua Shier suddenly rushed over and, before anyone could react, swung his hand at Zhuang Ganmei's two sons, Zhendong and Zhenbei, slapping each of them hard across the face.

After finishing the attack, he immediately ran back, hiding behind Zhuang Chaoying, while shouting:
"If you criticize my mother, I'll hit your son, then we're even. I'm not doing this to you, Uncle."

Zhuang Zhendong and Zhuang Zhenbei only then realized what had happened, and they covered their faces and burst into tears. Hua Shier even said:

"Cousin, you've been dragged down by your mother!"

Zhuang Ganmei also lost her temper, raising her fist and charging forward: "I'll beat you to death, you little brat!"

He was about to strike when Zhuang Chaoying quickly stopped him, saying, "Ganmei, how can you lay a hand on a child!"

Huang Ling pulled Hua Shier behind her, spread her arms like a mother hen protecting her chicks, and shouted at the Zhuang family, "Anyone who dares to touch Pengfei with a single hair, I'll fight them to the death!"

The Song couple next door had been watching the situation closely. Hearing Huang Ling's shout, Song Ying was the first to rush over from next door with a rolling pin, yelling:
"Who dares to bully Sister Ling? Get this straight, this is our cotton mill's residential area. How dare they bully us just because we don't have anyone from the cotton mill?"

Lin Wufeng followed, both amused and exasperated, and said to his wife, "Alright, we don't need you!"

Then he turned to the Zhuang family members in the room, who were on the verge of conflict: "You're all family, talk things out and don't hurt each other's feelings!"

At this moment, Hua Shier turned and ran: "Uncle Lin is right, let's not hurt our relationship. I'm going to find Uncle Hat and tell them that someone forced me to go into the water. I'm so scared!"

Lin Wufeng: Is that what I meant?
When Grandma Zhuang heard that her grandson was going to call the police, she immediately panicked: "This child, my eldest grandson! No one is forcing you, come back quickly!"

Hua Twelve: You dare call me a grandson!
Grandma Zhuang: You really are a grandson, and your grandson-in-law is also a grandson!
But by then Hua Shier had already vanished, and only Lin Dongzhe's shout could be heard:

"Brother Pengfei, I'll go with you."

The Zhuang family members were already intimidated when they heard what Song Ying said, fearing that if she shouted, all the cotton mill workers would rush out and they wouldn't be able to leave. Now, when they heard Hua Shier say that he was going to find Uncle Hat and that they had forced him into the water, they were all filled with fear.

Grandpa Zhuang gave a cold snort, his tone fierce but his heart weak: "Let's go, let's not cause trouble here!"

Grandma Zhuang quickly followed, looking at Zhuang Chaoying and sighing, "He's forgotten his mother after getting married!"

Zhuang Chaoying looked embarrassed, as if she had done something terribly wrong.

Zhuang Ganmei and his wife, pulling their two children along, stormed out. Ganmei's wife said harshly:

"Everyone says grandsons are like dogs, they eat and then leave, and look at this little beast in my second sister's family, they're really right."

The family left the courtyard, walked out of the alley, and continued to curse as they walked back.

When they were almost home, a stone suddenly flew out of nowhere and hit Ganmei's wife on the forehead with a bang, cutting her open and causing blood to flow freely. The woman screamed in fright, while the others scrambled to catch her.

In a nearby alley, Hua Shier grabbed Lin Dongzhe and ran, saying as he ran:
"You saw it all, right? She cursed at me first, and then deliberately bumped her forehead against the pebble in my hand. It's not my fault!"

Lin Dongzhe's eyes lit up, as if he had learned something new from his new older brother!
Thank you to 08a and Little Tiger of the Demon Realm for the donations, and thank you to all the brothers who voted with monthly tickets and recommendation tickets. Thank you so much!