Chapter 286: Chapter 286: No Compromise
Wufu had been burying her head in the carving of the jade lotus flower these past few days, truly not getting enough sleep, and now she was out to get some fresh air and take a rest, but as she reached the entrance of the main house, she overheard the conversation that needed her decision.
Seeing her worn appearance, Hongyu immediately poured her a cup of tea from the teapot on the table and handed it to her.
Madam Zhou looked at the redness in her eyes with a heart full of distress, saying, "No matter how anxious you are, you shouldnât overwork yourself like this, look at your red eyes."
Wufu drank a cup of tea, yawned mightily, smiled, and said, "Itâs nothing. What were you discussing just now?"
Madam Zhouâs expression darkened.
Wufuâs eyes narrowed slightly as she immediately turned to Liu Jin, seeking clarification with her gaze.
"Thereâs been a bit of a problem with the construction of the house, I was about to report to you," Liu Jin promptly recounted the dayâs events in detail.
Wufu raised an eyebrow and said, "So, Lady Chen, sheâs trying to extort us?"
While she was secluded, she had devoted herself entirely to her carving, barely affected by external disturbances, so she hadnât heard any commotion outside. Even if she had, being away from home, she wouldnât have taken any action.
"Judging by her attitude, indeed, thatâs the case," Liu Jin scoffed. "Lady Chen herself said it, if we want that land, weâll have to buy it with silver."
Wufu began to laugh, "Where does she get the confidence, such gall, to assume we absolutely need that land? To assume I would be so easy to talk to?"
Good, very good, they donât clear the land early, they donât clear it late, but as soon as they hear weâre building a house, they clear the land next to ours?
It seems I have been too accommodating this while, making people think Wufu is easy to bully!
Liu Jin immediately recounted his visit to the village chief.
After listening, a hint of appreciation showed in Wufuâs eyes; at such a young age, he knew to focus on what was important, not bad at all.
Liu Jin, seeing the appreciation in her eyes, felt a thrill and unconsciously puffed out his small chest, asking, "Miss, what do you think we should do?"
Wufu didnât immediately answer but looked towards Madam Zhou and asked, "Mother, what do you think?"
Madam Zhou was taken aback; she wanted to say sheâd go with her daughterâs decision, but seeing the encouraging look in her daughterâs eyes, she said, "We wonât buy it. Elder Sister-in-law Zhangâs actions are too disrespectful; itâs outright bullying. If we give in now, who knows how many more incidents like this will occur in the future. Are we supposed to give in every time? Given the choice, Iâd rather go to the village chief to ask for a new homestead plot to build on, but that will indeed cost more silver."
With those words, Wufu felt very relieved and satisfied. She had thought Madam Zhou would opt for peace at any price or would silently swallow the grievance, but she didnât expect her not to compromise.
Good, thatâs how people should be, stand firm when you need to. Such a blatant loss is unacceptable.
Wufu did not hide her satisfaction, and even the slow-witted Madam Zhou noticed it, feeling a bit of joy, and said, "Wufu, what do you say?"
"If Mother says we wonât compromise, naturally we wonât," Wufu smiled as she spoke.
Madam Zhou was delighted, "Then?"
"Lady Chen wants to pull a fast one, weâll pay her no heed. Iâll make her understand what âtrying to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice used to lure itâ means," Wufu said with a cold smile.
Why would she try to take advantage of anyone, especially me? Itâs like digging a hole in the god of earthâs head, sheâs courting death.
Wufu tapped the table rhythmically with her finger, the sound beating a consistent rhythm that somehow resonated in everyoneâs hearts, giving a palpable sense of determination.
Looking at her confident and composed demeanor, everyone felt reassured; they suddenly realized that Wufu was the pillar of their small family.