Back in the 1980s, hiking in the mountains was also a way of life

Clearly, Yao Ping and Wang Daliang knew that Wang An had noticed the dissatisfaction in their eyes.

If Wang An, Wang Li, and Huang Zhong went to collect money together, and Wang An and Huang Zhong were unharmed while only Wang Li was beaten up like that, then Wang Li's parents would definitely have strong feelings about it.

It's true that they, as parents, have emotions, but it's a big mistake for them to express those emotions.

It's perfectly fine for you to dote on your son, but how can you expect others to do the same for him?
Most importantly, this is for your family's benefit! If something happens and your son doesn't step up, are you going to let someone else do it?

Therefore, Wang Daliang and his wife are a typical example of being "unclear-headed"!

After Yao Ping finished speaking, Wang An continued with a cold expression and sharp words:

"It's best if you don't. If you do, keep it to yourself. I'm telling you, Second Uncle and Second Aunt, you two just remember this: no one owes you anything."

"By the way, you should also know how your family became rich. Don't be so naive and foolish at your age. It's laughable."

Wang Daliang and his wife blushed and were about to speak when Wang An continued:
"Luckily, it was the fifth brother who wasn't beaten to death outside. If he had been beaten to death, would I have to be buried with him? How old are you all? Can't you understand human nature? This is doing a favor for your family! I'm wondering if I've been too nice to you? This guy has spoiled you."

After a pause, Wang An said meaningfully:

“You’re not my parents, and you didn’t raise me. We’re just relatives. Don’t pull this on me again. I don’t like watching it.”

Wang An's words, though barbed, were utterly merciless and showed absolutely no leniency.

Of course, it is ethically wrong for Wang An, as a junior, to speak of his elders in such a way, especially referring to his second uncle and second aunt.

In Wang An's heart, apart from his parents, wife and children, no one else—no elders, brothers, relatives, friends, or so on—was important.

If you get along well, then you should stay together. If you get along well, it's perfectly fine to lend a hand. But if you don't get along well, then you should go your separate ways and be strangers. This is all completely up to you.

Therefore, after Wang Daliang and his wife repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction, Wang An did not tolerate them at all and spoke these harsh truths without any mercy.

After Wang An finished speaking, the entire living room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Even the two little babies, Happiness and Joy, were well-behaved in Wang An's arms.

Although they are still young and don't understand much, they are able to sense their parents' emotions.

After a long while, Second Aunt Yao Ping, with red eyes, finally explained:
"What do you mean? We never even thought of that. Xiao An, you've misunderstood me and Erda."

Before Yao Ping could finish speaking, Wang Dazhu, who had been mostly silent, suddenly said in a low voice:
"Oh dear, you're really something, second sister-in-law. What were you two thinking? Anyone can see it! Guilan and I figured it out a long time ago! We just didn't want to say anything because of how Lao Wu looked. You two are just complaining that Xiao An didn't protect Lao Wu, right? Well, tell me, how else do you expect Xiao An to protect him? With his life?"

After taking a drag of his cigarette, Wang Dazhu continued, still displeased:
"It's not Xiao An's fault for saying that you guys are getting more and more eccentric as you get older."

Only then did Liu Guilan try to smooth things over, saying:

"That's all Xiao An said. Second brother and sister-in-law, don't take it to heart. Our two families have had such a good relationship over the years. If we can just talk things out, it will save us from future misunderstandings."

In fact, Liu Guilan was the one most dissatisfied with what Wang Daliang and his wife had done, but since her son and husband had already played the bad cop, Liu Guilan had no choice but to play the good cop.

Because whether it's between people or between relatives, it all comes down to interpersonal relationships and social etiquette.

Besides, even families living under the same roof can have discord; fathers and sons sometimes bicker and even go years without speaking to each other. How much more so would relatives like this? Although Wang Li's family has always seemed a bit shameless about demanding compensation, does this mean the two families will truly cut off all contact over such a matter?

When it comes to asking for money, Wang An may be unwilling to help, but if he really doesn't help, he feels he can't get over the mental hurdle.

As for Wang Daliang and his wife expressing their dissatisfaction, Wang An could disregard them as elders and reprimand them in the same way he reprimanded Wang Li and Mu Xueli. But could Wang An really kick them out and never speak to them again?

These are all unrealistic and cannot happen.

Because no matter what, Wang Daliang and Wang Dazhu are brothers born of the same mother, their blood is thicker than water.

If Wang An really did that, it would mean he lacks human compassion and wouldn't act like a human being.

In fact, Wang Daliang and Yao Ping had already realized their mistake when Wang An said those blunt words. Now that Liu Guilan had given them a way out, Yao Ping, this clever old woman from the countryside, naturally took the opportunity.

So after Liu Guilan finished speaking, Yao Ping immediately forced a smile and said:

"Yeah, we need to talk things out. Our two families are like one big family. If we cause any rifts and word gets out, people will really laugh at us, hahaha."

As she spoke, Yao Ping pushed the three bundles of ten-yuan notes on the coffee table and chuckled as she respectfully addressed Wang Andao:
"That's why we say that when the Wang family has something to do, we still have to go to Xiao An. If it were anyone else, they wouldn't even be able to get 3 yuan, let alone 3 yuan."

Wang Daliang echoed in agreement:
"Yeah, thankfully our Wang family has Xiao An to hold them up, otherwise Xiao Feng and Qing He would have been in real trouble."

The word "孬遭" here is a local dialect term meaning a combination of being humiliated, frustrated, and depressed.

Wang An smiled again and continued the conversation:

“3 yuan in compensation is not a small amount. After that, you must tell my sister and brother-in-law. Don’t tell anyone about this, not even my sister’s parents-in-law.”

After a pause, Wang An suddenly became very serious and said:
"Anyway, if this gets out, the coal mine will definitely retaliate to the death. If those people at the coal mine get really ruthless, there's nothing I can do. If something really happens, don't mention it to me. I can only say that they deserved it."

Wang An had to mention this because when he and Wang Li left the changing room, the man called "Xiao Zhi" had already given them a very serious warning. Xiao Zhi's exact words were:
"Take the money back and be happy in secret. Don't make a fuss and show it off everywhere. If it really comes to that, Brother Chu and Brother Bai won't give face to anyone. If they really clash, who knows who will win or lose."

Although the other injured workers, besides Shi Qinghe, were equally pitiful without receiving any compensation, Wang An had no time to care about their lives. Whether they lived or died, Wang An would consider it a loss if he even raised an eyelid.

Wang Daliang quickly said:
"Yeah, how can you brag about something like this? I definitely can't let them tell anyone."

Wang An's smile returned, and he said:
"I don't care whether you tell me or not. Just don't come looking for me if something happens. It's no use coming to me anyway, I definitely won't get involved."

Yao Ping quickly replied:
"Yes, they definitely can't say that. They definitely can't say that. They know what's important."

Wang An nodded, and after a few more pointless remarks, Wang An suddenly shouted towards the back room:

"Shen Wei, Xiao Li, how's your noodles coming along? If it's really not good enough, just make instant noodles."
The next morning, after breakfast, Wang An drove straight to the county town.

Wang An wanted to discuss the motorcycle matter with Wu Dong and the others. (End of Chapter)