Chapter 34

The crowd in front of the Chu family's door had already dispersed. Liu Tianfu returned to the Chu family, called over Chu Huan, and recounted what the Feng family had said. Seeing Chu Huan's calm demeanor, he said with some concern, "Although Feng Ergou said that, we still don't know what he's up to. No matter what, he is injured and will likely be unable to cause trouble for a long time. You shouldn't stir up any more trouble in the village, but you should still be cautious. Feng Ergou is full of malice, so we need to be on guard!"

Chu Huan thanked him, and Liu Tianfu gave a few more instructions. Since the Hu family's funeral was not yet over, he hurriedly went back there.

That day passed without incident. At dinnertime, there were two dishes of vegetables, not much in quantity, and three bowls of thin porridge, which was the Chu family's dinner. However, Sun Niang made an additional pancake for Chu Li's mother. During the meal, the elderly woman divided the pancake into two halves, wanting to give one half to Chu Huan and the other to Sun Niang. Both refused, but in the end, Chu Li's mother decided to divide the pancake into three parts, and the three of them had their dinner.

The shadow of Feng Ergou still loomed over Chu Li's mother and Sun Niang. Although Chu Huan remained calm, his two family members were constantly on edge, making the atmosphere at home quite tense.

After dinner, Sun Niang helped Chu Li's mother to bed and then put water in the iron pot to heat it up. Chu Huan sat on the wooden bed, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, deep in thought.

He wasn't worried about Feng Ergou and his gang. After returning home, he had felt the family's poverty and was thinking about how to find a job quickly to help support the family and prevent them from living in such poverty.

Although he had many skills, they were of little use in this small village. Although the family had two acres of thin land, it was already late autumn and winter was approaching, so it was impossible to plant crops now. As he leaned against the wall, he thought about various ideas and concluded that if he wanted to find a good job, he should go to the county town to look for opportunities.

He had plenty of strength, and the county town had many places like shops, pawnshops, oil mills, taverns, teahouses, and carriage services, all of which needed workers. He planned to wait until things settled down and then visit these places. Even if he didn't earn much money at first, he could at least support himself and not be a burden to the women in the house.

At this time, the Chu family's income mainly relied on Sun Niang's hands. Embroidery was a delicate task that took up most of her time, and she also had to manage the household, doing laundry, cooking, and cleaning. She went to bed late and got up early, working very hard.

Chu Huan was thinking about how to find a way to support the family, leaning against the wall, occasionally frowning. Sun Niang sat on a small wooden stool by the stove, the firelight illuminating her face, making her cheeks rosy and her face as beautiful as a peach blossom, very charming and naturally alluring.

Seeing that Chu Huan was silent, she occasionally glanced at him. Noticing his frequent frowns, she thought he was now calm and afraid of Feng Ergou's retaliation. She couldn't help but say, "Are you afraid now? Who told you to hit him so hard? Feng Ergou is a small-time thug; you shouldn't offend him too much!"

Chu Huan was initially stunned but then realized Sun Niang had misunderstood. He chuckled and said, "Sister Sun Niang, do you think I'm afraid of Feng Ergou coming back for revenge?"

Sun Niang didn't look at him and said, "There are many people who like to fight, but few of them amount to anything. The successful ones are those who can keep their cool."

She was a widow from the countryside and couldn't explain much, but she knew that important people never acted on impulse.

Chu Huan smiled and leaned against the slightly cool wall, saying, "When it's time to fight, you have to act. If it were you, would you stand by and watch me get bullied?"

"No!" Sun Niang immediately replied, but her voice lacked confidence, as if she had spoken without thinking.

In fact, she was very conflicted. She hated Feng Ergou, but she was a weak woman, and although she seemed tough in the village, she was still very gentle inside and was afraid of thugs like Feng Ergou.

Today, Chu Huan had fought Feng Ergou and Lu Bao for her, which made her feel both grateful and resentful. She was grateful for his help but also worried that he had made a big enemy in Feng Ergou, which would bring endless trouble in the future.

These feelings of gratitude and resentment intertwined in her heart, and she couldn't even tell if Chu Huan's actions were right or wrong. In fact, she was still troubled by this.

"Anyway, I won't stand by and watch you get bullied!" Chu Huan's voice was gentle, and he smiled. "Sister Sun Niang, don't worry. Whatever happens, I'll be the one to face it. I won't let you or Mother have any trouble."

Sun Niang huffed, not knowing what to say. Hearing the water in the iron pot boiling, she quickly went over, took a wooden ladle, and poured the hot water into a wooden bucket. She was worried about wasting firewood, so she only heated a small amount, filling the bucket halfway. She added some cold water, tested the temperature, and was about to lift it when Chu Huan quickly came over, offering to help. "Sister Sun Niang, let me help you carry it!"

Sun Niang had already lifted the bucket, and Chu Huan tried to take it from her. As he grabbed the handle, his hand touched hers, and she immediately let go, stepping back as if startled.

Chu Huan was surprised, and Sun Niang's cheeks turned red. She glared at him and snatched the bucket, saying softly, "I don't need your help, let go!"

Chu Huan felt a bit awkward and let go. Sun Niang, annoyed, said, "Mind your own business!" She carried the bucket, swaying her slender waist, and went into the house, closing the door tightly. Chu Huan smiled helplessly and saw her go in, then closed the door securely.

He didn't know that Sun Niang had been humiliated by Feng Ergou, who had even tried to force himself on her by the river. She felt very ashamed and wanted to take a good bath. Chu Huan, unaware of her feelings, offering to help with the water made her feel strange, so her tone was a bit harsh.

The autumn night was quiet. Chu Huan lay down on the wooden bed and soon heard the sound of water splashing inside the house. He realized that Sun Niang was taking a bath. For some reason, hearing the water made his face flush and his heart beat faster. He knew that Sun Niang was his widowed sister-in-law and should not have any improper thoughts, but as a young man, it was natural to feel a bit excited knowing a woman was bathing nearby.

Sun Niang was also cautious inside, trying not to make too much noise. The water sounds were intermittent. Chu Huan covered his head with the quilt, trying not to think about the water sounds, and instead thought about how to find a job.

After a while, Sun Niang's door opened slightly, then widened. She peeked out, seeing Chu Huan's head covered with the quilt, seemingly asleep. She quietly carried the bucket out, which contained her used bathwater. She was wearing a dark white long pants and a blue blouse, with a fall jacket over it. After the bath, she looked like a ripe peach, with a well-proportioned figure, a slender waist, round hips, and full breasts that strained the blue blouse. Thinking Chu Huan was asleep, she quietly opened the door, poured out the bathwater, closed the door, and quietly placed the bucket by the stove, then ran back to her room and closed the door tightly.

Chu Huan's eyes, peeking through the quilt, saw Sun Niang's cautious movements. He wasn't trying to take advantage of her but found her actions quite amusing, feeling a mix of amusement and helplessness.

...

...

Chu Huan knew that although Feng Ergou said he wouldn't cause trouble, this matter wouldn't end so easily. He was not afraid at all, thinking that if Feng Ergou really wanted to cause trouble, he would deal with it. He planned to wait for Feng Ergou to make the first move. If Feng Ergou really wanted to challenge him, Chu Huan would take the opportunity to help the village get rid of this menace once and for all.

He knew that such a scoundrel would use underhanded tactics. Although he was fearless, he was also cautious about Feng Ergou's gang possibly targeting his family. Therefore, he stayed at home for the next two days, waiting.

Compared to patience, few people could surpass Chu Huan. When it was time to act, he would never hesitate, but when it was time to be patient, he could endure more than anyone.

He knew that Feng Ergou's patience wouldn't be as strong as his. If everything went as expected, the other side would soon make a move. All he needed to do was be cautious and patient, and once he had the opportunity, he would crush the other side completely.

After two days, there was no movement from Feng Ergou's side. Hu Daxuan was also buried in a cemetery on the west side of the village with the help of the villagers.

The villagers were grateful to Chu Huan for standing up for everyone and knew that the Chu family was in a difficult situation. Although the village was not wealthy, some villagers secretly sent things to the Chu family, such as a few eggs or some vegetables. Although these were cheap items, they were heartfelt, and the Chu family accepted them.

That evening, a carriage suddenly stopped in front of the Chu family's door. The villagers had been paying close attention to the Chu family, especially the strong men like Shi Tou, who were concerned about the family and worried that Feng Ergou's people might cause trouble. They often sent people to check on the Chu family, and if Feng Ergou really brought people, the strong men would gather to fight them.

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