Reborn in 78, I made my fortune by working in the mountains, supporting three families on my own.

"Haha, as soon as I heard you were building a new house, I immediately brought my whole family to congratulate you!"

Zhao Lei thought to himself, "I wouldn't come here unless I had a reason."

Every time this person comes to their door, it's because he's after their family.

Back when his parents were still alive, Zhou Minghong would come over every few days to freeload.

Borrowing money today, taking rice tomorrow, and then borrowing the Zhao family's farm tools the day after tomorrow, never to return them.

After his father passed away, the family struggled financially, and Zhou Minghong seemed to vanish into thin air.

Even during the two years when his mother was seriously ill and bedridden, his younger brother never visited her once.

Now that Zhao Lei's life is getting better, he's shamelessly trying to curry favor with them again.

Isn't this just like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken—it's all up to no good?

Zhao Lei, not wanting to beat around the bush, coldly said, "Get to the point."

Zhou Minghong chuckled twice, turned around, grabbed Zhou Shijie from behind, and scolded, "You brat! What are you standing there for? Hurry up and greet your cousin!"

Zhou Shijie stumbled a couple of steps as his father pulled him along, then looked up at Zhao Lei.

He mumbled reluctantly, "Cousin."

Zhao Lei glanced at him, ignored him, and continued to stare at Zhou Minghong: "What are you doing here? I'm busy right now, I don't have time to deal with you."

Zhou Minghong, with a fawning smile, was about to speak when Zhou Shifang, standing behind him, couldn't hold back any longer.

The little girl was also quick-tempered. She stepped forward and pulled her father back, saying irritably, "Dad, they didn't even give us a friendly look, why should we try to curry favor with them?"

Snapped!

With a crisp sound, Zhou Minghong slapped Zhou Shifang across the face.

Zhou Shifang was knocked to the side by the blow, and stood there stunned.

His eyes instantly filled with tears, his face filled with disbelief.

Her father had never hit her like this before, especially not in front of so many people.

Not far away, Qin Bowen, Wang Xiaohu, Zhang Lin, Zhang Sen, and several other young men all looked over.

Zhou Shifang felt her cheeks burning hot, feeling both ashamed and angry. She stomped her foot, her eyes red, and turned to run away.

"Shifang! Shifang!"

Li Xiuying grew anxious and called out twice to her daughter's retreating figure, but Zhou Shifang didn't turn around and disappeared at the end of the field ridge in the blink of an eye.

Zhou Minghong sighed in exasperation and shook his head: "Oh dear, just ignore her! You've spoiled this child rotten!"

He turned around, his smile returning, and rubbed his hands together as he moved closer to Zhao Lei: "Hehe, Leizi, your uncle came this time, firstly to congratulate you, and secondly... because I have something I'd like to ask you for a favor."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lei immediately raised his hand to stop him: "Alright, don't you dare say anything."

Zhou Minghong was taken aback: "Lei Zi, your uncle hasn't said what it is yet..."

"I know what you're going to say even if I use my toes."

Zhao Lei showed no mercy, "Don't you dare say a word, I can't help you with anything. If you leave now, I'll pretend nothing happened, and I'll respect your backbone."

These words were so blunt that Zhou Minghong's smile finally crumbled.

His lips twitched, and for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

At this moment, the relatives and friends who were helping out at Zhao Lei's house heard the commotion and gradually gathered around.

Qin Bowen stood behind Zhao Lei, arms crossed, staring at Zhou Minghong warily.

Wang Xiaohu was still clutching the shovel in his hand, occasionally hefting it a couple of times. His meaning couldn't be clearer: if you dare cause trouble, this weapon of mine won't stand in your way.

Hearing the commotion at the courtyard gate, Qin Yuchan and Jiang Xinyue also came out of the old house.

Qin Yuchan recognized Zhou Minghong at a glance and immediately flew into a rage.

He rushed forward, hands on his hips, and shouted, "Zhou Minghong! What are you doing at our house? What are you up to now?"

Qin Yuchan was the first wife Zhao Lei married, and she had a very deep impression of this uncle.

Back when Zhao Lei's parents were still alive, Zhou Minghong, taking advantage of being the youngest son in the family, was spoiled rotten by his maternal grandparents and would come over every few days to beg for money.

Zhao Lei's mother, Zhou Guilan, is soft-hearted. Whenever her younger brother asks for something, even if her own family is struggling financially, she always manages to squeeze out a little money to help him.

But this uncle never knew what was good for him; he would ask for one thing and then another, pushing his luck endlessly.

It wasn't until Zhao Lei's father passed away and his mother fell ill, leaving the family with absolutely no more money to be made, that Zhou Minghong finally cut off all contact and didn't visit the Zhao family's door for two whole years.

Now that Zhao Lei's life has improved, he shamelessly comes back to him.

Thinking of this, Qin Yuchan felt a tightness in her chest from anger.

Zhou Minghong was somewhat embarrassed after being scolded by Qin Yuchan.

But since they were there to ask for a favor, I could only force a smile and say, "Oh, Yu Chan, don't be so angry. In the past, my uncle didn't have an easy life either, and he made some mistakes. Please don't take it to heart."

After all, since Lei Zi's mother passed away, I'm the only elder left in the family. They say a maternal uncle is more important than anything, how could I possibly abandon my own nephew?

Zhao Lei frowned, impatiently interrupting him: "What exactly do you want?"

Seeing that Zhao Lei had relented, Zhou Minghong immediately perked up again.

He quickly stepped forward, a broad smile on his face, and said, "Lei Zi, look, your family has built a red brick house now! That's amazing! Your uncle knew you'd be smart since you were little, and you'd definitely amount to something!"

Zhao Lei kept a cold face and didn't respond.

Zhou Minghong continued awkwardly, "Oh dear, your uncle doesn't have that kind of luck. None of my sons are very successful. Look at your cousin, he's almost twenty-five this year and still hasn't gotten married."

The uncle is worried too! Just the other day, this young man started dating a girl, and she's asking for a hefty dowry, which the uncle's family is a little short of…

At this point, Zhou Minghong rubbed his hands together and took half a step forward.

"Lei Zi, look... could you lend me some money first to help your cousin get married? Our whole family will pay you back as soon as possible, okay?"

Before Zhao Lei could speak, Qin Yuchan stepped forward and glared back at Zhou Minghong.

He launched into a tirade: "Zhou Minghong! You're shameless! How dare you come here to borrow money? Let me tell you, there's no money! Not a single penny!"

Zhou Minghong was scolded by Qin Yuchan and felt a little embarrassed.

But she still forced a smile: "Oh dear, niece-in-law, that's so heartless of you. I'm your only uncle now; if you don't keep in touch with me, you'll be all alone!"

Zhao Lei waved his hand, interrupting him directly: "You heard everything I just heard. Yu Chan and I agree that our family has no money. Don't waste our time."

Before Zhou Minghong could reply, Zhou Shijie, who was standing next to him, became anxious.

He took a step forward and pointed to the foundation that was under construction in the distance...