Before the Zhou family could even speak, they were taken aback by Fan Yunyan's preemptive strike.
Fan Yunyan knew he couldn't outdo others in a tantrum, so he decided to play dumb instead. The Zhou family was known for their willingness to sacrifice face.
He really didn't want to experience being looked down upon by the villagers again.
The Zhou family originally wanted Zhou's eldest uncle and his wife to come, but Zhou's eldest aunt was almost depressed after being confronted by the Xiangyang brigade last time, so she didn't dare to come. Only the two old folks in the family could come.
Old Master Zhou thought this might be a good thing; he and his wife were so old and looked so pitiful, maybe they could swindle even more benefits from them...
Moreover, it's not appropriate for the villagers, especially those from such an older generation, to say that.
Shi Lingheng was already there when Niu Qian came over, but he was busy fetching water and doing other things and did not interfere with the affairs of Fan Yunyan.
When he returned from fetching water this time, he noticed two elderly people in the courtyard. Hearing Fan Yunyan's address, he realized who they were and raised an eyebrow. This time, they had learned their lesson a bit better.
Fan Yunyan cried poverty in the courtyard, resolutely refusing to give the two a chance to speak, and went on and on about how pitiful he was and how he was about to starve to death.
The Zhou family members were increasingly stunned as they listened. Why did these words sound so familiar? Wasn't this what they were originally going to say?
Upon hearing the news that the Zhou family had come again, the village chief and his wife, who were worried, also came over. They listened to Fan Yunyan's chatter outside and nodded with satisfaction. This kid has grown a lot.
The village chief put his hands behind his back and said, "Now you can rest assured, right? I think this child can handle it."
When he first heard the news, his wife instinctively wanted to gather all the women in the village, young and old, but he stopped her, saying they should go and see first.
The village chief's wife snorted, "Xiao Fan has been so good to us, we should remember his kindness."
The elderly Zhou couple finally found a chance to speak in the courtyard, but things were probably not as good as they had expected. They couldn't leave empty-handed, so they stammered, their faces showing vulnerability: "We're about to run out of food. Otherwise, we wouldn't have bothered you. We old folks can bear it, but our children are starving..."
Old Mrs. Zhou wiped her eyes, looking pitifully strong.
Anyone with a modicum of respect for the elderly couldn't help but speak up. Just as Fan Yunyan's mind stirred slightly, Shi Lingheng's voice came from inside the house: "Fan Yunyan, when are you going to give me the grain you lent me? My family is also running out of food."
Fan Yunyan was taken aback. When had he borrowed grain from Shi Lingheng? But he quickly realized what was happening and looked at the Zhou family elders with a troubled expression: "I... I had no choice..."
When the old couple from the Zhou family saw that their gentle approach wasn't working, their expressions changed: "Didn't your parents give you any money or coupons? Give us those to help us out."
Fan Yunyan answered decisively: "No."
The old man of the Zhou family slammed his cane on the ground: "Nonsense, your mother already said that she gave you all the money."
In reality, Zhou Xuehua didn't say anything at all, and pretended not to have received the letter, refusing to reply. He said this to deliberately trick Fan Yunyan.
Upon hearing this, Fan Yunyan calmed down. Based on his understanding of his mother, Zhou Xuehua, even if she knew the situation here, she wouldn't generously give him all of his father's salary. He would believe it if she said she would spend it on Fan Yunli.
Moreover, based on the dates, it is very likely that his father sent all of his salary to him.
Therefore, he looked completely innocent when asked about Old Master Zhou's words: "When? Why didn't I receive it?"
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