After Shi Zhen finished eating with Zhao Meiyun and Zhao Qiujuan, he told Zhao Meiyun and Zhao Qiujuan to go home first, and that he would go find them later.

Wang Zugen and Zhao Dongjuan were in a free-love relationship. Their families didn't have a say in anything from beginning to end. Although they attended a wedding banquet, they also hosted the Wang family and didn't owe them anything.

It's fine for the Wang family to cause trouble for Zhao Dongjuan, but they have no right to retaliate against her.

After Zhao Meiyun and the others left, Shi Zhen took Shi Ting to Shi Xingxing's place, then called Shi Xinghuo and Shi Xingchao, and went to the house he had rented for Shi Daniu and Shi Duofu.

Shi Daniu and Shi Duofu cooked their meal after they returned. When Shi Zhen arrived, they were eating rice with vegetables and meat.

The so-called "vegetable and meat rice" is generally made by putting rice and water in a pot, then layering meat and vegetables on top, bringing it to a boil over high heat, simmering it for a while, and finally adding soy sauce and mixing it well. The taste is so-so, but it is convenient and quick.

Shi Zhen explained his purpose and asked for their help, and everyone agreed.

Meanwhile, before Zhao Meiyun and Zhao Qiujuan even got home, Zhao Dongjuan came out of a roadside shop and yelled at Zhao Meiyun, "Mom, what do you mean by this? Are you abandoning me? Don't you even consider me your daughter?"

Zhao Meiyun was stunned by her barrage of questions.

Zhao Qiujuan, on the other hand, is doing better now. The day before, she had been thinking about what she could say to Zhao Dongjuan, and she immediately said, "Do you even consider your mother your mother? Why should your mother have to solve the problems you caused?"

“What trouble have I caused? It’s clearly the other party who’s being unreasonable,” Zhao Dongjuan said. “You’re my sister, and you’re not only not helping me, but you’re also siding with outsiders… You wouldn’t happen to have taken a liking to Wang Zugen, would you? You’re so concerned about him!”

Zhao Qiujuan was so angry that her eyes turned red, not expecting Zhao Dongjuan to link her with Wang Zugen.

Zhao Dongjuan had been locked out all day and was seething with anger. Now, she added fuel to the fire: "If you like him, you can marry him! That way, they won't bother Mom anymore, wouldn't that be perfect?"

Zhao Qiujuan had spent the whole night rehearsing her speech, but she never expected Zhao Dongjuan to say such a thing, and she couldn't utter a single word.

Fortunately, Zhao Meiyun spoke up: "Dongjuan, don't talk nonsense!"

Zhao Dongjuan scoffed and then said, "Mom, give me the house keys."

The lock on the house belonging to the Shi family was provided when they rented it. There were only three keys in total: one for Shi Zhen, one for Shi Dalin when he went out to set up his stall, and one was kept at home for everyone to take when they went out.

Zhao Dongjuan did not have a key.

"No way," Zhao Meiyun said without hesitation.

"What do you mean?" Zhao Dongjuan said angrily.

Zhao Meiyun gritted her teeth: "Shi Zhen said that we should no longer have any dealings with you."

“Shi Zhen, Shi Zhen, all you ever talk about is Shi Zhen. You just know how to favor others. They don’t even want to live with you, and they don’t call you Mom anymore! What good is it to treat them like a treasure?” Zhao Dongjuan said.

Zhao Qiujuan now knew what to say: "At least Ah Zhen has never taken our money, nor has he ever caused us any trouble."

When Shi Zhen visited them, he would always bring something. When Zhao Dongjuan went back to her parents' home, she would always come empty-handed, but she would always take something from their house.

"What trouble have I caused? I've been scammed!" Zhao Dongjuan had barely finished speaking when they saw the furious Wang family members.

More than 20 years later, Anshan Town has a total population of over 150,000. The town's apartment buildings with elevators cost over 10,000 yuan per square meter, and it has everything from large supermarkets to KFC and Starbucks, making it a very prosperous town.

But right now, Anshan Town... is really quite small.

The Wang family's daughter and son-in-law were busy during the day, but Wang Zugen and his parents, some retired and some laid off, were very free. They had visited the Shi family several times during the day.

However, the Shi family's gate was locked at the time, and they couldn't find anyone.

They also went to Shi Dalin's place, but after Shi Dashan learned about his brother's family's situation, he specially went with Shi Dalin to check on the stall today.

Shi Dashan and Shi Dalin are not young, but Wang Zugen's parents are even older!

As for Wang Zugen... Shi Dalin, who is used to doing farm work, would find it very easy to deal with Wang Zugen.

Wang Zugen and his group didn't dare to cause trouble for Shi Dalin, and since they couldn't find Zhao Dongjuan, they could only wait all day. Now that their children and sons-in-law had all gone home from get off work, they gathered a group of people to go out and look for Zhao Dongjuan.

Upon seeing people, they approached aggressively.

The Wang Zugen family of three was furious. As for Wang Zugen's sister... some were angry for Wang Zugen, while others were indifferent. As for his brothers-in-law, some were just watching the show with glee.

Regardless, their attitudes were consistent.

Either Zhao Dongjuan goes back to Wang Zugen, or she returns 10,000 yuan plus three gold items to the Wang family.

“I’m already married to him, so the bride price is mine, right? Now that he’s unemployed and I want a divorce, why should I have to return the bride price? I’ve never seen anyone have to return the bride price after a divorce.” Zhao Dongjuan wasn’t afraid at all.

"You've only been married a few months? In these few months, you haven't done a single chore at home, so why are you taking so much of our money! Why?!" Wang Zugen's mother exclaimed anxiously.

For Wang Zugen's wedding, they spent more than 10,000 yuan on the bride price and other expenses. This was not only their entire family's savings, but also money they borrowed from their daughter and son-in-law!

The other members of the Wang family exclaimed, "This is clearly a marriage of convenience!"

“Come back with us and we won’t hold it against you. Otherwise, you won’t have an easy time.”

“Our family knows a lot of people around here. If you don’t go back, your family won’t have an easy time either!”

...

They were quite angry. Zhao Dongjuan was completely different before and after marriage, and they had only been married for a short time. They hadn't skimped on her food or clothing, and she was already trying to run away!

Wang Zugen also said to Zhao Meiyun, "Zhao Dongjuan's mother, if you don't give us an explanation for this, your husband and daughter won't be able to run their stall properly. And your youngest daughter, she's in middle school, right? I will definitely..."

"What are you sure you're going to do?" Shi Zhen asked.

When Shi Zhen arrived with his men, they found a group of people arguing in the alley, with others watching the spectacle.

He doesn't like these kinds of occasions.

For him, arguing like this is completely meaningless and a waste of time.

When Wang Zugen heard Shi Zhen's words, he turned around and was startled.

Behind Shi Zhen stood a line of burly men.

None of the six men that Shi Zhen brought out to work were thin or small. Shi Xinghuo and Shi Xingchao were also young and strong. There were nine big men in total, and their imposing presence was quite intimidating.

The words that Wang Zugen and the others wanted to say were stuck in their throats.

Zhao Dongjuan was smug: "You think you can bully me just because you have more people? I'm not without people on my side!"

Zhao Dongjuan's smugness displeased the Wang family. One of Wang Zugen's brothers-in-law said to Shi Zhen, "What are you trying to do? You were in the wrong in this matter. Be careful, or we'll sue you!"

Those who were his brothers-in-law didn't really want to get involved in Wang Zugen's affairs, finding it troublesome.

They came because the Wang family had called them, and they had no choice but to come.

However, the Shi family brought so many people, so they really wanted to fight or something... Anshan Town is so small, Wang Zugen doesn't know many people, but they know some police officers and such.

Shi Zhen said, "If you want to sue, go ahead and sue."

The Wang family was furious when Shi Zhen said this. What did he mean by that? Was this guy really that arrogant?

Shi Zhen continued, “The one who took your Wang family’s money is Zhao Dongjuan. You can call the police or sue her. No one will stop you. However, this matter has nothing to do with the rest of my family. You’d better not bother my family, or I won’t mind bothering yours.”

Shi Zhen's gaze swept over each member of the Wang family, and he spoke at length, a rare occurrence for him: "I'll treat your family the way you treated my family. If you cause trouble when my dad and sister are setting up their stall, I'll go to their work when they're working. If my sister's studies are disturbed... You all have children too, right?"

Before Wang Zugen and his parents could react, Wang Zugen's sister and brother-in-law had already decided not to get involved.

Their family has both elderly and young members, and they just want to live a peaceful and stable life!

Shi Zhen then looked at Zhao Dongjuan: "When she got married, she said she didn't care about our family and didn't want to stay with us. She's an adult now, and she was the one who negotiated the marriage with you from beginning to end. She also paid for the money. If you ask her for the money, that's her business. We don't care."

Of all the people present, Shi Zhen was the tallest.

He used to be someone who didn't like to stand out or cause trouble, and he had a very low profile. Zhao Dongjuan never mentioned him, so the Wang family didn't really remember him; they only knew that he worked on construction sites.

It can be said that the Wang family had never taken Shi Zhen seriously before.

But at this moment, Shi Zhen's mere presence alone exuded immense pressure.

It was already dark, but there was a streetlamp, and some people had opened their doors to watch the commotion, bringing out a room full of lights.

That way, everyone can see the person on the other side clearly.

Shi Zhen exuded an oppressive aura, causing the Wang family to back down. Zhao Dongjuan, however, became anxious: "Shi Zhen, what do you mean?"

“I didn’t mean anything by it,” Shi Zhen said, looking at her. “I have no obligation to clean up your mess.”

Shi Zhen was genuinely annoyed by Zhao Dongjuan.

She has her own logic, and in her logic, she must be the one who benefits.

Something similar happened in my past life.

Zhao Dongjuan got married late at that time. Before she met that person who received compensation for his demolished house, she had actually dated many people.

She claims to be rich, yet she spends other people's money, eats their food, takes their expensive gifts, and then dumps them. But those men then come knocking on her door demanding an explanation.

She would also speak ill of others if she didn't like them, spread rumors, promise to do things for people and take their money but then fail to deliver... Although none of these things were truly heinous, they were definitely not good things.

Although Shi Ting was a pain in the ass back then, to be honest, aside from spending his money, she never did anything else that was a mess.

This girl has been married twice, and both times she's been supporting her husbands and being ripped off.

He was disappointed in Shi Ting, but not disgusted by her, since she had given him the money willingly.

“What are you pretending for! You just don’t treat me like a sister…” Zhao Dongjuan said.

Shi Zhen retorted, "So what?"

Actually, Zhao Dongjuan, I don’t know if she’s like her biological father, she’s always been like this since she was a child. When they first came to his house, although he was unhappy about his father’s remarriage, he also planned to get along well with them.

But he really couldn't get along with Zhao Dongjuan.

At that time, his younger sister had not yet accepted Zhao Meiyun, a stranger. She cried and shouted for her mother. His father gave Zhao Meiyun money and asked her to buy candy and other things to coax his sister. Zhao Dongjuan made a fuss and demanded to share the candy on the spot. She even tried to pry the candy out of his sister's mouth.

Most people wouldn't do something like Zhao Dongjuan.

After Shi Zhen finished speaking, he looked at the Wang family and said, "Do you want me to call the police for you? You can talk to the police about your issues with her."

If he were a member of the Wang family, and encountered someone like Zhao Dongjuan, he would definitely cut his losses in time and report the incident to the police.

He studied some law for a period of time.

In cases like Zhao Dongjuan and the Wang family's, the court primarily uses mediation. If things escalate to the point where they must separate, the court will generally only order Zhao Dongjuan to return a portion of the betrothal gifts.

Because they did have a wedding ceremony, so they were considered married.

If we sue Zhao Dongjuan, we won't get most of the money back, but it's still better than losing both her and our money.

However... the Wang family probably prefers that Zhao Dongjuan go back and live a good life with Wang Zugen.

For people at this time, divorce is a big deal. And if Wang Zugen really breaks up with Zhao Dongjuan, he might remain a bachelor for life.

The Wang family was rendered speechless by Shi Zhen's questions.

Zhao Dongjuan became anxious and said to Zhao Meiyun, "Mom, look at what he's saying! You've raised him all these years, and he doesn't even treat us like family!"

Zhao Meiyun was frightened by the Wang family before, and now, after glancing at Shi Zhen and hearing what Zhao Dongjuan said, she was even more afraid.

She was afraid the Shi family wouldn't want her anymore!

Zhao Meiyun quickly said, "Azhen is only talking about you, it has nothing to do with me! Don't come back anymore. Haven't you always said that I'm biased and don't want me as your mother? Let's stop having anything to do with each other."

After Zhao Meiyun finished speaking, she smiled ingratiatingly at Shi Zhen.

Shi Zhen was a little helpless; he didn't know what to say about Zhao Meiyun's personality.

Zhao Dongjuan exclaimed in surprise, "Mom!"

Zhao Meiyun ignored her, but Zhao Qiujuan pulled Zhao Meiyun to stand behind Shi Zhen.

Being surrounded by people from their village made me feel incredibly safe.

Shi Zhen looked at Zhao Meiyun and said, "Aunt Zhao, let's go home."

He took Zhao Meiyun and Zhao Qiujuan home together.

The Wang family did not follow, but Zhao Dongjuan wanted to, but was stopped by Wang Zugen's mother.

Immediately afterwards, Wang Zugen's mother began to wail and complain that Zhao Dongjuan was heartless and cruel.

Zhao Dongjuan wasn't one to be trifled with either; she started by accusing the Wang family of marriage fraud and then joined in the crying.

Shi Zhen: "..."

That's really quite a commotion.

However, based on his understanding of them, he estimated that they would make up again the next day.

After all, the Wang family still wanted Zhao Dongjuan as their daughter-in-law, and Zhao Dongjuan refused to repay the money.

Zhao Dongjuan ran away from the Wang family this time, making a scene about getting a divorce, because she felt that they would stand up for her, or had no choice but to stand up for her.

If he stands up for Zhao Dongjuan, she will get rid of Wang Zugen and still have money in her hands. Wouldn't she be very happy?

But since they ignored her, she naturally became well-behaved.

Shi Zhen sent Zhao Meiyun and the others back home, and then told his father. His family's life returned to normal.

The next day, he also received news about Zhao Dongjuan.

As he expected, Zhao Dongjuan went back, and the Wang family even told others that it was just a normal quarrel between a young couple.

This argument is pretty common.

Zhao Dongjuan even took Wang Zugen to the Shi family's doorstep... as if to show off their affection?

She did this to make Zhao Meiyun feel bad, and Zhao Meiyun did feel bad. She was terrified by the Wang family. But when she turned to her daughter, she made up with them as before and even said outside that her family didn't care about her.

Of course, the most amazing thing is not just that.

A few days later, Wang Zugen's parents set up a fried food stall and started selling fried food next to Shi Dalin.

When Shi Zhen returned home that evening, he found Zhao Meiyun wiping away tears at Guan Baiyu's house, and that's when he learned about what had happened.

And... it was not unexpected.

Wang Zugen, with several older sisters, being the youngest and a man, judging from his appearance, you could tell he was definitely a bit... lazy and gluttonous.

This person also had a high opinion of himself and couldn't bring himself to do bad jobs. For example, Wang Zugen would never do the job of sweeping the floor at the waterworks that Shi Xinghuo did.

The elderly couple in the Wang family have pensions, so he has no worries about food and clothing!

In fact, in the past two years, many factories in the town have closed down, and it is quite common for young couples to live on their parents' retirement pensions.

But it's clear that Zhao Dongjuan doesn't care about such a small amount of retirement money.

Unable to get Wang Zugen to go out and work, she... set her sights on her in-laws.

What else could Wang Zugen's parents do but risk their old age to go out and earn money?

As for why he went to sell fried skewers, he had previously shown no mercy to Zhao Dongjuan, so Zhao Dongjuan must hate them. In addition, frying skewers is indeed a skill-free activity; all you need is a gas stove and a pot to set up a stall.

Fortunately, he didn't intend for Shi Dalin to keep selling fried skewers.

Shi Zhen learned about this from Zhao Meiyun and made a special trip to the town to find Shi Dalin.

When he arrived in town, he saw two fried food stalls lined up in front of the movie theater.

Shi Dalin's stall has been there for a long time, and all the customers know him. But every time someone walks by, the elderly Wang couple next door start calling out, "Our fried skewers are delicious, come and have a look!"

"Buy more and we'll give you a discount!"

"Our rice cake has one more piece than his!"

...

Such hawking is truly irritating, but the key point is... many customers actually fall for it.

At Shi Dalin's place, a skewer of fried rice cakes has five thin slices, while the Wang family's fried rice cakes have six slices on a skewer.

Shi Dalin's fried tofu is made by cutting two pieces of fried tofu diagonally and skewering them, while the Wang family skewers two and a half pieces of tofu on bamboo sticks.

Their costs didn't increase much, but they could definitely steal business from Shi Dalin.

Shi Dalin looked utterly distressed.

However, upon seeing Shi Zhen, the elderly Wang couple were clearly afraid, fearing that Shi Zhen would harm them.

Unlike Shi Dalin and Zhao Meiyun, the one in charge of this couple was clearly Wang Zugen's mother, who spoke first: "We're doing business normally! We can't even do business normally, can we?"

Shi Zhen ignored them and went to look at Shi Dalin. He noticed that Shi Dalin hadn't sold many of the fried skewers he had prepared that day.

Shi Zhen asked him, "Dad, when did they arrive?"

"I arrived very early this morning," Shi Dalin said.

Shi Zhen wasn't angry, but Shi Dalin was actually furious.

Selling fried skewers is his livelihood. He didn't make much money today, so how could he not be angry?

Actually, Shi Dalin didn't care that others were copying him and selling fried skewers. There was no reason why only he could do this business. But it was clear that they were targeting him and repeatedly called away customers who came to his stall. That went too far.

"Dad, let's go back," Shi Zhen said.

"Go back?" Shi Dalin was a little confused.