Chapter 35

C35 – The Village Chief

“Stop! Let’s see who’s brave enough to make a move,” Zhang Xiaoloong stepped forward, pointing at the few young men poised for an attack. “Liu Changsheng is claiming ownership now. Any takers? If you’re not afraid of a jail sentence, go ahead. Let’s see if Liu Changsheng can save you then.”

The individuals hesitated; they were the hotel’s security personnel, and it wouldn’t bode well for them to refuse Liu Changsheng’s requests.

In the past, they had been called upon to create disturbances on occasion, depending on the number of people involved. Typically, their adversaries relented swiftly. Moreover, Liu Changsheng had connections to the hotel’s owner, who was a formidable figure, ensuring that Liu Changsheng was treated with respect.

However, these previous instances had been relatively minor altercations. If they were to embark on a mission to rob another person’s property, that would constitute a crime. They pondered the situation.

“Don’t pay any heed to this kid’s nonsense. This corn is grown on my family’s land. It’s rightfully mine,” Liu Changsheng handed the money to Zhang Xiaoloong. “Didn’t you say you were compensating me for the land? Well, now everyone’s watching. I’m returning the money you gave for the land. Five years’ worth, not a penny less. I don’t care about the produce from before the corn. But this corn belongs to me. We’ll settle this.”

“Changsheng, are you determined to go through with this?” Liu Mei’s anger left her visibly pale. “Fine, you don’t want us to compensate for your land. Fair enough. Give us the money for the past three years instead. We can’t afford your land. Whoever you choose to plant it can have it. But you want a refund on the money. You’re even taking our harvest. Xiaoloong and my father aren’t foolish or insane. They won’t grant you a year’s labor for free.”

“Pay them no mind. Get on with it. This corn is from my land. Why should we be afraid? It’s not a crime, at most it’s a financial dispute. If anything happens, I’ll shoulder the consequences,” he declared, specifically addressing the security guards.

Upon hearing this, the security personnel shuffled about briefly before advancing toward the corn piles in the yard.

“Stop, don’t take any action...” Just as Zhang Xiaoloong was about to respond, a hurried voice sounded from outside. It was the village chief, Wang Tiezhu, who cleared a path through the crowd and entered. “Changsheng, you’re back at last. What’s the plan this time? An invasion of the village?”

“Tsk tsk tsk, Uncle Zhu Zhu, you’ve said it again. I want the crops back, but I didn’t mention snatching them back. Can’t I buy them with money?” Liu Changsheng put on a stern expression and gestured towards Yang Jingjing and the two other girls. “These two girls are also here to purchase corn. Since they intend to sell it, it doesn’t matter to whom they sell it. Nevertheless, this plot of land is mine. I have a deep connection with the produce from this land. If you intend to sell it, you should sell it to me first, shouldn’t you?”

Wang Tiezhu hesitated when he heard this. Sentiments aside, he decided to give Liu Changsheng some face. “How much are you willing to pay for it?”

“Based on the market rate, 85 cents. No, let’s make it 90 cents, alright? Nobody can accuse me of not showing sincerity with this offer, can they?” Liu Changsheng proposed.

Wang Tiezhu nodded this time. The price was indeed higher than the current market value. He glanced at Zhang Daniu and remarked, “Daniu, if you’re truly set on selling it, consider selling it in Longevity City. This price seems quite reasonable.”

“Not selling,” Zhang Xiaoloong declared firmly. “Grandpa Zhu, it’s not that I don’t want to show respect, but even if the corn is going bad at home, I won’t sell it to Liu Changsheng.”

“Master Grandpa Zhu, Grandma Zhu wants you to return home urgently. Something has come up...” A young child suddenly rushed over, conveying the message to Wang Tiezhu.

“It’s resolved...” The village chief promptly discarded his cigarette and left with his pipe in hand. He turned to address Zhang Daniu, “Daniu, let’s discuss this matter properly. If you wish to sell it, go ahead. Don’t get upset. There’s an urgent situation at home. I’ll go check on it. Let’s have a thorough discussion...”

The voice gradually faded away, and the crowd couldn’t help but chuckle. The village chief excelled at everything except for managing his wife. Whenever she called, he moved faster than the summoned beasts in a video game.

“Hehe, how about it? Uncle Zhu has spoken. There shouldn’t be any issues this time, right?” Liu Changsheng smiled and offered Zhang Daniu a cigarette. “Furthermore, I’m offering 90 cents. You won’t be at a loss. If you doubt me, ask anyone else. Who else will pay 90 cents?”

Zhang Daniu opened the cigarette but declined it, instead looking at his son.

“Xiaoloong, nephew, if you’re unwilling to sell for 90 cents, then... you’ll have to carry it,” Liu Changsheng sneered. “In the end, no matter how much of a scholar you become, you won’t become a scholar of wealth. You’ll only end up spending more on medical bills. Resolving economic disputes won’t be easy.”