Chapter 109: Here Comes the Village Head
Zhang Lin Sheng looked at Zhang Da Hu with a wretched face, "Da Hu, you and some villagers checked Grandma Lu and forced her to ox-cart?"
Zhang Da Hu nodded and said smugly, "Yeah!"
Zhang Da Hu couldn't help but recall the feeling when he got 200 cents from Qin Lang, 'It was such an amazing feeling! I earned 200 cents just like that!'
No wonder rumor had it that Chen Xiao Mi was the boss of Sino Commercial House! He was so generous!
This money was too easy to earn. If Grandma Lu went to town a few times a month, he could make a decent amount of money from that. How he wished Grandma Lu could make a few more scenes!
Zhang Lin Sheng sighed and said, "Grandma Lu is not young. What if something happens to her when you guys tackle her?"
Zhang Da Hu pulled a long face, "Father, I'm not stupid. I won't do it if I'm alone! The few of us worked together when we got her. Some of us grabbed her feet and others grabbed her hands, don't worry, father, we knew what we were doling. On a serious note though, father, that Grandma Lu is hale and hearty, I don't think anyone can hurt her."
Zhang Lin Sheng glared at Zhang Da Hu. "The thing is Lu Cheng Yu is a Xiucai now. We better not offend him!"
"So what he is a Xiucai? There's nothing he can do to us," Zhang Da Hu said disdainfully.
Zhang Da Hu thought about t the Sino Commercial House and thought to himself, 'Da Hu has a point, a poor Xiucai cannot be compared with the shopkeeper of such a big store! It is said that even servants working in commercial house could eat meat from time to time, not to mention Chen Xiao Mi and Lu Lin. That couple is very influential in town now.'
Zhang Lin Sheng thought about it and said, "That's right."
"Father, 200 cents, it's enough to buy a few kilograms of meat. Chen Da Li wanted to make this money as well, but this guy was too timid. He kept sizing up the situation when Chen Xiao Mo made the offer, it was already too late for him when he finally made up his mind," Zhang Da Hu grinned when he said that, revealing his giant white teeth.
Zhang Da Hu had always been the 'gang leader' of his circle, he was a tall and strong boy, all of his friends tended to respect him as their leader.
Zhang Lin Sheng nodded and said, "That's right, there were too many people who were involved in tackling Grandma Lu. No way can the Lu family get to the bottom of it. Plus that 200 cents is indeed easy money."
Zhang Da Hu nodded then he looked a bit confused, "Father, do you think what the Lu family said is true? The Sino Commercial House really belongs to Lu Lin and Chen Xiao Mi? Lu Lin made up the whole story that there was a Big Boss in case the Lus and the Chens sponged off them?"
"Who knows, but no one has seen that Big Boss. It's really hard to say if the story is true," Zhang Lin Sheng said.
"I heard from people in the village that not only Chen Xiao Mi, but Chen Xiao Cai also bought a house in town. That Shen Chi who married Chen Xiao Cai is really a lucky Bio."
Zhang Lin Sheng thought to himself, 'Sino Commercial House has been very popular these years! There are also a lot of merchants who travel across the country to purchase products from them. Of course they had already made a fortune, buying a house in town is a piece of cake for them! Unlike us villagers, we can't afford a property in town with our lifetime savings.'
......
Grandma Lu'sincident had provoked much discussion among the villagers, naturally it had reached the Chen family's ears.
Grandma Chen had been eager for some action since she found out Lu Lin and Chen Xiao Mi actually owned the. Grandma Lu was just more restless and beat her to it.
Grandma Chen was thrilled to hear that Chen Xiao Mi had made a fool of Grandma Lu, but she soon felt sorry for herself, she was afraid she would get the same treatment if she visited the store without careful consideration.
Grandma Chen pondered over the whole thing, she knew Chen Xiao Mi very well, she had zero confidence that Chen Xiao Mi would treat her with respect.
"The people in this village really listen to that unfilial brat! Money talks!" Grandma Chen said in a depressed tone.
"Two hundred cents is not a small amount, you can buy a basket of eggs with 200 cents, of course people would do it, that's a no-brainer," Grandpa Chen said.
There were 5 villagers who got the money, they had earned 1 tale of silver altogether.
Grandma Chen said sullenly, "This guy has money now. He just spends money like water!"
Chen Jing was flustered. When he was studying in town, he envied the rich maters who squandered money like dust, he dreamed of that lifestyle as well. Little did he expect that Chen Xiao Mi was leading that lifestyle already.
"Old Lu, do you have any ideas?" Grandma Lu asked unwillingly.
Grandpa Lu replied unhappily, "Don't ask me, I don't have any ideas."
Grandpa Lu was seized with remorse, he wished he had treated Chen Xiao Mi better. He wished Chen Xiao Mi would respect him as a grandfather and buy him stuff, then he was full of complaints about Chen Jing who accomplished nothing.
......
In Zhang Family.
Zhang Cheng puffed away on his pipe, as if deep in thought with a frown.
"Father, why were the Lus here?"
Zhang Cheng said lightly, "For Lu Lin's matter, they insisted the Sino Commercial House belonged to Lu Lin and Chen Xiao Mi, I find that hard to believe!"
Zhang Jin thought for a moment and said, "I heard about that too. Grandma Lu said that the deed was under Chen Xiao Mi's name, she swore on her life about that."
Grandma Lu said she heard it from Lu Cheng Yu, who should have heard the news from the Secretary-General. That should be correct then. Everything started to make sense now. Chen Xiao Mi and Lu Lin enjoyed absolute authority in the the Sino Commercial House, they got to decide how many employees they were going to hire, who to hire, how much their pays were... ....
It had been a few years since Lu Lin and Chen Xiao Mi came back to the village together, why? Because they were leading such a great life in their own property in town!
Zhang Cheng murmured, "Chen Xiao Mi actually has such a big commercial house in town."
Zhang Jin thought for a moment and said, "Sino Commercial House should have a profit of several hundred taels of silver per year." It was not Zhang Jin who came up with this number, it was the villagers.
Zhang Cheng took a deep breath and said, "So much! money" Although Zhang Cheng was the Village Head, they were still peasants who made a living by farming. Zhang Cheng couldn't help but make a gasp when he found out that there was such a big tycoon hidden among the villagers.
Zhang Jin said sullenly, "This Chen Xiao Mi is really lowkey!"
Over the past few years, a Big Boss like him had always been mistaken as an employee, but he had never made any explanation.
"Why did the Lus visit you though?" asked Zhang Jin.
Zhang Cheng said lightly, "They wanted me to patch things up between them and Lu Lin."
Zhang Jin shook his head and said, "I'm afraid it won't be easy. Father, don't forget that Lu Lin almost died when Grandma Lu forced him to marry Chen Xiao Mi."
Zhang Cheng seemed to think otherwise, "Isn't that all in the past? Besides, if the Lu family hadn't forced him to Chen Xiao Mi, Lu Lin wouldn't be able to enjoy his life as much."
Zhang Jin looked at Zhang Cheng, shaking his head in despair. He knew how much his father wanted to be a great Vilage Head. Seeing how established Chen Xiao Mi now was, he wanted to convince Chen Xiao Mi to help out the villagers, but the thing was some villagers could be really ungrateful! Think about what happened to Chen Ding, the Clan Leader of the Chen Clan, Grandma Chen kept complaining that Chen Ding had taken a kickback from selling Chen Xiao Mi's house. Chen Ding fell ill from those slanderous rumors.
"Lu Lin is married into the Chen Family now, so he has no obligation to support the Lus financially," Zhang Jin said.
Zhang Cheng shook his head and said, "If Lu Cheng Yu has the money to prepare for the provincial exam and travel to the provincial capital for the exam, our entire village will be honored. I think I should talk to Lu Lin and ask him to support Lu Cheng Yu in finding a better school."
"Father, did the Lu family tell you they want this from Lu Lin?" Zhang Jin asked unhappily.
Zhang Cheng smiled awkwardly and said, "That's not the point, son. If Lu Cheng Yu can pass the exam, it will be good for the village. Besides, Lu Lin is just so rich now."
Zhang Jin shook his head, "Lu Lin hasn't been in contact with the Lu family for so many years. It's obvious that he doesn't want to have anything to do with that family."
Zhang Jin didn't like it that the Lu family kept dragging his father into this.
......
In Sino Commercial House.
"Xiao Mi Ge, you're amazing! You managed to brush that annoying Grandma Chen like a fly!" Zhang Rui said.
Chen Xiao Mi waved his hand and said, "There's one thing I've learned over the past few years, things will be easier for you as long as you have money."
Two hundred cents was no small amount for the villagers. 'When a high reward is offered, brave fellows are bound to come forward.' Chen Xiao Mi was confident that he could turn Grandma Chen out of doors.
Zhang Rui nodded and said, "That is so true! I do have a question, Xiao Mi Ge, would Lin Ge get upset? That's his grandmother after all."
"No, not at all." Chen Xiao Mi thought to himself, 'Lu Lin is a different person, the Lu family has nothing to do with him.'
Zhang Rui hesitated for a moment, he scratched his head and said, "Lin Ge, he is... he is the head of the family after all."
Chen Xiao Mi glanced at Zhang Rui and knew Zhang Rui meant well, but there were some things he couldn't explain.
"Lu Lin, he's different, we are always on the same page."
Zhang Rui walked into the backyard and saw Lu Lin who was sketching. The rocking chairs and rocking horses were all designed by Lu Lin. Seeing how focused Lu Lin was, Zhang Rui knew that Lu Lin was designing something new.
"Lin Ge, are you busy?" Zhang Rui asked.
Lu Lin glanced at Zhang Rui and said, "I'm all right, you wanna talk?"
"Lin Ge, you lied to me! You told me you were not the boss!" Zhang Rui said sullenly.
Zhang Rui scratched his head. Previously, he had said that Lu Lin didn't look like a boss, and he didn't know if Lu Lin had taken it the wrong way.
Lu Lin smiled and said, "I didn't lie, technically, I'm really not the boss. Your Xiao Mi Ge is."
Zhang Rui was speechless, "Lin Ge, does it make any difference whether the deed is under your name or Xiao Mi Ge's name?"
Lu Lin smiled and said, "There are still some differences."
......
Qin Ming walked into the house and said, "Xiao Mi Ge, you have a visitor."
"Who is it?" asked Chen Xiao Mi.
"He said he is the Village Head of the Big Stone Village," Qin Ming said.
"The Village Head? "
Chen Xiao Mi pouted and thought unhappily. 'What is he doing here? He has always been partial towards the Lus, especially that Lu Cheng Yu. Lu Cheng Yu is now a Xiucai, the Village Head surely will grant whatever is requested by Lu Cheng Yu."
......
"Village Head Zhang, long time no see, how have you been" Chen Xiao Mi greeted Zhang Cheng with a smile.
Zhang Cheng looked at Chen Xiao Mi, unsure as to what the next move should be, he just put on a smile and said, "Xiao Mi, I've been all right, not as great as you are though."!"
Chen Xiao Mi smiled and said, "I'm just all right, can't complain."
Zhang Cheng smiled bitterly and said, "Xiao Mi, I heard that this commercial house is yours."
Chen Xiao Mi tilted his head and said, "Yes, it's mine. It's worth a few hundred taels, not worth mentioning."
Zhang Cheng smiled bitterly and said, "Xiao Mi, you've really made it now!"
"I'm so flattered, Village Head Zhang."
Zhang Cheng looked at Chen Xiao Mi and sighed, "Xiao Mi, we are really happy for your accomplishments, our villagers would really appreciate it if you offered us some help!"
Chen Xiao Mi glanced at Zhang Cheng and said, "Village Head Zhang, I'm already doing my part. I've been buying food, vegetables, mountain specialties and embroidery products from the villagers. I really have no idea what else I can do. Some villager made a scene right in front of my shop just the other day."
Zhang Cheng looked at Chen Xiao Mi and said, "Xiao Mi, that's not just some villager, Grandma Lu is your husband's grandmother."
Chen Xiao Mi's lips curled on hearing that, "I beg to differ, she is some villager to me after he sold Lu Lin for 10 tales of silver. Anyways, I spent 1 tale of silver on asking several villagers to escort her back to the village for her own safety."
Zhang Cheng was rendered speechless.
Chen Xiao Mi glanced at Zhang Cheng and said, "Village Head Zhang, can you do me a favor? Just spread the word for me, I won't buy anything from the villagers who lend the ox-cart to Grandma Chen, and I will reward the villagers who turn Grandma Chen down."
Zhang Cheng's face darkened, "Xiao Mi, isn't that a bit too far?"
'You are not asking to spread the word, you are asking me to offend the Lus!'
"Xiao Mi, listen to me, Cheng Yu is a Xiucai now."
Chen Xiao Mi said with indifference, "Well, he still has a long way to go if he wants to pass the provincial exam."
Chen Xiao Mi thought to himself, 'Lu Lin and I already have savings that's pushing 5000 tales, I'm afraid we can an official title way before Lu Cheng Yu passes the provincial exam.'
Zhang Cheng said sullenly, "Xiucai is already a huge accomplishment." Zhang Cheng thought to himself, 'Chen Xiao Mi is so different now, he is actually looking down upon a Xiucai, no villager dares to do that.'
Chen Xiao Mi said with a faint smile, "It's just a title, what can you do with it? I know it won't bring you any money."
Color flared in Zhang Cheng's cheeks. Zhang Cheng felt proud that there was a Xiucai in the village now. He felt so indignant that Chen Xiao Mi didn't take it to heart at all.
Zhang Cheng left in a huff. He happened to meet Lu Lin when he was walking out.
"Village Head Zhang, you're here! To what do we owe the honor!" Lu Lin said enthusiastically.
Zhang Cheng looked at Lu Lin and said, "Lu Lin, Chen Xiao Mi asked the villagers to tackle your grandmother back. You should discipline him."
" Village Head Zhang, Xiao Mi did it for her own good though! Being a businessman, I'm not afraid of losing face, but Cousin Cheng Yu is a Xiucai now, reputation means the world to him. That's why Xiao Mi has asked the villagers to escort Grandma Lu home. To protect Cousin Cheng Yu's reputation!" Lu Lin said.
Zhang Cheng shook his head.
Zhang Cheng glanced at Lu Lin and left without saying anything back.