Grandma 04

"Go to hell!" The Cousin Uncle, who had been inexplicably punched earlier, finally retaliated.

The bald man froze for a moment before fighting back, only to be met with a group assault from the Fang Family.

Zhao Yumei stood her ground, gripping a kitchen knife and occasionally shouting curses: "Aim for his face! Tear it up! How dare a monk like him seduce women!"

But she soon noticed Lin Meilan's anxious expression. "Ah, I almost forgot about you."

She took two steps toward Lin Meilan before realizing her grandson was tugging at her sleeve. Irritated, she snapped, "What? Let go and stand aside!"

Fang Zhiyi obediently released her hand, earning rare praise from Zhao Yumei: "Good boy."

"Zhiyi!" Lin Meilan grew frantic. There was no way she could take Fang Zhiyi with her now. "I’m your mother! Don’t you recognize me?"

Zhao Yumei’s face darkened as she grabbed Lin Meilan by the hair and delivered several sharp slaps. Though age had caught up with her, her brawling skills hadn’t dulled, and years of manual labor had kept her strong.

Lin Meilan staggered from the sudden blows. When she tried to fight back, Fang Zhiyi lunged forward: "Don’t hit my grandma!" He’d been steeling himself to say it, and his shout drew everyone’s attention.

Zhao Yumei froze, a flicker of warmth in her heart. She glared at her two sons. "What? Just gonna stand there while your mother gets hit? Useless brats!"

After all, letting your own mother get beaten was a sure way to become the village laughingstock.

Eldest Uncle and Third Uncle immediately abandoned the bald man and rushed over. Before Lin Meilan could react, Third Uncle kicked her away.

"Mom, are you alright?"

"Hmph! You’d probably prefer I drop dead sooner!" Zhao Yumei spat, then turned and hurled another insult at Lin Meilan before grabbing Fang Zhiyi’s hand and storming off.

The Village Party Secretary quickly stepped in to mediate, and the two sides separated.

"Secretary, you know how it is—I’m his Eldest Uncle. When my brother was away working, Zhiyi always ate at my place," Eldest Uncle began negotiations.

"Big Brother, as if he never ate at our house," Third Aunt retorted sarcastically.

"I’m his mother..." Lin Meilan clutched her face, unwilling to forget her purpose for coming.

The Village Party Secretary rubbed his temples at the chaotic family dispute before finally turning to Fang Zhiyi. "Zhiyi, tell me—what do you want?"

Lin Meilan seized the chance. "Zhiyi, Mom can take you to the city. There are tall buildings, nice schools..."

Fang Zhiyi sneered inwardly. Tall buildings? Schools? How could she even say such things with a straight face?

Zhao Yumei noticed Fang Zhiyi staring intently at Lin Meilan and abruptly released his hand. "You little brat, you wanna leave with that whore of a mother?"

Fang Zhiyi met her gaze and shook his head after a pause. "Grandma, I told you—I’ll stay with you. I’ll take care of you till the end."

Lin Meilan’s eyes burned with panic. Why would this little bastard choose that old hag? Had he forgotten how she’d treated his father?

Even Eldest Uncle grew desperate. "Fang Zhiyi..."

Fang Zhiyi lifted his chin defiantly. "Secretary Uncle, give Dad’s compensation money to Grandma. I’ll live with her."

The Village Party Secretary hesitated. Zhao Yumei was no saint—had she brainwashed the boy?

As the yard buzzed with arguments, Zhao Yumei raised her hand and slammed the kitchen knife into the doorframe. "What? Think this old lady can’t raise this runt?"

The Fang Family fell silent, though schemes churned behind their eyes.

The bald man, bruised and battered, glared hatefully at Fang Zhiyi, who found it utterly baffling.

The Village Party Secretary tried to mediate, but Fang Zhiyi stood firm.

After repeated confirmation, the secretary handed the bank card to Zhao Yumei. She finally smiled, tucking it securely into her clothes before casting a triumphant look around the yard.

The Fang Family dispersed, each lost in calculations. Lin Meilan wanted to fight further but feared Zhao Yumei too much. She dragged the bald man away—but she still had tricks up her sleeve.

Once everyone was gone, Fang Zhiyi exhaled in relief.

Then he turned to find Zhao Yumei staring straight at him.

Fang Zhiyi grinned. "Grandma, I’m hungry."

Zhao Yumei suddenly pinched his cheek. "Go clean up. I’ll take you to town for food."

Fang Zhiyi nodded, but the moment he stepped inside, his expression darkened.

"You gave all the money to your grandma. Aren’t you afraid she’ll spend it all?" Little Hei asked, surprised by Fang Zhiyi’s decision.

Fang Zhiyi changed clothes. "How much could she spend? Besides, money isn’t the issue. The issue is... surviving." He glanced down at his frail body. "This is your fault for being useless."

Little Hei puffed up to argue but ultimately stayed silent.

Zhao Yumei, thrilled with her newfound wealth, remained frugal. She took Fang Zhiyi by bus to town for a bowl of noodles and bought an assortment of household items—pots, pans, dishes—without hesitation, loading them all into Fang Zhiyi’s arms. As they prepared to leave, she suddenly remembered something and told Fang Zhiyi to wait at the station while she dashed off.

Clutching the pile of goods, Fang Zhiyi watched her retreating figure. "Would she really abandon me?" Not that it’d be a problem—he had ways to survive. But before long, Zhao Yumei returned.

Seeing the bankbook in her hand, Fang Zhiyi understood: she wanted the money in her own account for security.

Not that it mattered.

He had no real need for the money anyway. Still, their return to the village laden with bags drew curious stares. But Zhao Yumei’s fearsome reputation kept the villagers at bay, whispering among themselves.

Meanwhile, at Eldest Uncle’s house...

"What’s a half-dead old hag need that much money for?" Eldest Uncle’s wife scrubbed vegetables violently, as if personally wronged. "You’re useless too! Your brother’s dead—you’re the boy’s Eldest Uncle! By rights, he should live with us. But not only did you fail, you got beaten up? Disgraceful!"

Her voice cracked with resentment. "Your mother’s hated me since the day I married you! And now she’s stealing your brother’s compensation! If you won’t go, I’ll confront her!"

Eldest Uncle hesitated before stubbing out his cigarette. "Enough! I’ll go! Tomorrow!"

Yet halfway there the next day, his courage faltered. Fear of his mother was real, but so was his greed for the compensation. After some thought, he detoured toward the village committee office.