Year 1983: I was a carpenter in Northeast China

Xu Bei rubbed his hands, which had become quite warm from the stove, and said in a low voice with annoyance, "I should have let Mom go... But, sister, you definitely can't go, otherwise we won't be able to put on an act."

Zhu Wenliang chimed in softly, "Yeah, honey. You have no idea how well my brother and I acted. We completely fooled Dad. He really thought you'd tripped and fallen and was going to send them back to their hometown today..."

Xu Li's expression suddenly became complicated. She pursed her lips before speaking, "At least he's somewhat acting like a father! But I don't believe those people can really be driven away now that it's the 28th of the twelfth lunar month."

Xu Bei also expressed skepticism about this.

However, whether to stay or leave is Xu Dashan's problem; in any case, even if he stays, things won't be pleasant and harmonious.

"That's hard to say. Anyway, we've found out who's behind this and haven't suffered in silence! Actually, even if we report it to the police, they won't punish us severely unless there are serious consequences."

Xu Li nodded in agreement, "That's true. After all, no one was injured, so they're not treating it like a case. Brother, we should really thank Sister Liu from the tailor shop for hearing the commotion; otherwise, this charade wouldn't have been so easy to pull off!"

Xu Bei was also very grateful to Sister Liu, and said with a smile, "Yes, that's why they say a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative. We should get along even better in the future."

After most of the customers had left the store, Zhao Fengying and Xu Juan came over to listen and had similar thoughts.

Just as they were chatting away, a figure riding a bicycle suddenly appeared outside the shop.

Xu Bei, with his sharp eyes, discovered that it was actually Xu Dashan.

He hadn't expected the other party to appear so quickly.

But then I thought about it again and it seemed quite normal.

After all, any father with a modicum of concern would surely want to check on his pregnant daughter as soon as possible.

Xu Bei hurriedly told everyone that Xu Dashan had arrived, and then instructed, "Sister, quickly go lie down on the small kang (heated brick bed). Mom, you and Xiao Juan should put some ointment on your eyes..."

Although the mother and her two daughters felt a moment of guilt and confusion.

However, in order to make the act convincing and avoid giving anything away, they all quickly followed instructions and began to act.

Xu Bei and Zhu Wenliang went outside the shop together.

On the surface, they pretended to welcome Xu Dashan, but in reality, they were just stalling for time.

Especially the latter, whose relationship with his father-in-law wasn't as strained as that of his biological son, Xu Bei.

"Dad, what brings you here? I thought you were at home dealing with those people."

Faced with his son-in-law's amiable demeanor, Xu Dashan felt even more embarrassed and ashamed, and took a net bag off the handlebars of the bicycle that had been propped up.

"I...I wanted to come and see Xiaoli. I was in such a rush that I didn't buy anything nice. Is this place okay?"

"Yes, yes."

As Zhu Wenliang spoke, he casually took the bag containing canned food and rice cakes, and exchanged a glance with Xu Bei.

Xu Bei gave Zhu Wenliang a look without making a sound, and the other man understood and stood there without moving.

"However... Dad, I have to remind you, you know what kind of temper Xiaoli has. Don't get really angry with her if you say something inappropriate or inappropriate later."

Xu Dashan sighed deeply, "How could I not know my own daughter? Don't worry, even if you scold me, I'll have to take it. It's my fault for not managing those people back home well; they almost got someone into trouble!"

Before Xu Bei and Zhu Wenliang could speak, the shop door was pushed open from the inside.

Zhao Fengying, with red eyes and a stern face, leaned out and overheard the end of a sentence. She spoke in a cold voice, revealing her true feelings without any acting.

"You better just put up with this! We're already divorced, we should each go our own way, but some treacherous person had to pull this stunt behind our backs! Luckily, Xiaoli isn't seriously hurt, otherwise I'd tear you and those people's hearts to shreds!"

Xu Dashan adopted a very humble attitude, refusing to retaliate despite Zhao Fengying's scolding.

After agreeing to let him in, he only glanced at the shop before heading straight to the small kang (heated brick bed) at the back.

Xu Li was lying on the kang (a heated brick bed), covered with a quilt. Her hair was messy, and her face and lips were quite pale.

When Xu Bei saw it, he mentally praised his sister for getting into character so quickly; she really had a talent for acting.

Xu Dashan rarely saw his loud and strong-willed eldest daughter have this side to her, and since he already had a preconceived belief, he had no doubts at all now.

"Xiaoli, I'm so sorry, I've made you suffer. I really didn't know they could be so wicked behind your back."

Xu Li, playing a pregnant woman who had just fallen, but whose mouth was unaffected, bluntly complained, "You didn't expect this much! Over the years, haven't my mom, my younger brother, my younger sister, and I suffered enough because of your favoritism and because of those people back home?"

I was initially thinking how lucky I was that my mom had divorced you, so I wouldn't have to put up with your mistreatment anymore. But you still managed to mess with us like this! Wenliang and I had been married for over half a year before finally having this child, and it was so close that something bad happened!

If you truly feel guilty, show some real remorse. Don't think I'll forgive you just because you bring some canned goods and pastries and say a few sweet words!

In the past, Xu Dashan might have gotten angry upon hearing this, but today was different. He listened patiently, his heart filled with deep regret.

"I will definitely take concrete action, don't worry. Once I say I'm kicking them out, I won't go back on my word. I'll go to the city this afternoon, catch whichever train is available, get to the provincial capital first, and then buy tickets to my hometown. I'll put them on the train, even if it means spending New Year's Eve on the train, I absolutely cannot let them stay any longer..."

Xu Bei and Zhao Fengying looked at each other in bewilderment.

Xu Dashan's resolute attitude this time was somewhat unexpected.

After all, he used to prioritize his family back home, willing to sacrifice his own family to protect them in every way. He was also a very filial son, always obedient to his mother.

Zhao Fengying, in particular, knew her former husband's family all too well, and couldn't help but interject, "Do you think they'll obediently listen to you and go back to their hometown? Won't the old lady and Xu Dahong make a scene and cause a scene?"

Xu Dashan hurriedly explained, "It's no use them making a fuss! I've already said that if they keep causing trouble, the monthly remittances will stop. Do whatever you want! Besides, if they don't leave, you can report them to the police anytime and they could be arrested. After that, they'll all behave themselves!"

Zhao Fengying and Xu Bei both showed expressions of "I knew it."

This is truly a two-pronged approach, hitting the snake right where it hurts.

No wonder their attitudes have changed.

"You really know how to take advantage of us!"

Seeing this, Xu Dashan forced a smile and continued, "I really had no other choice, otherwise I really couldn't get rid of them! Actually, if I wasn't afraid you'd be even angrier if you saw them, I would have brought those two brats back to Xu Dahong to apologize in person!"

Zhao Fengying immediately retorted irritably, "It's a good thing you didn't bring any, otherwise we wouldn't even let you in! A bunch of shameless scoundrels, not many of them are easy to beat up!"

Because he was genuinely disliked and had a lot of time to do, Xu Dashan left without lingering.

After everyone left, Xu Bei and the others exchanged their thoughts.

However, it would be a good thing to actually send those people from our hometown away.

Otherwise, we'd have to guard against them like thieves, constantly watching out for someone who might try to sabotage them again with their wicked intentions...