The 70s Novel: The Supporting Character Just Wants to Lie Down-Chapter 50: Apology Brings Abundant Rewards

When Yang Zhigang heard this, he realized it was still about him and Pandi, and he immediately felt even more respect for his mother-in-law.

"Auntie, what happened? Who’s slandering Pandi? I’ll go settle the score with her." Yang Zhigang sat straight, exuding an authoritative aura.

"Sigh, it’s none other than that Li Yinfeng." Liu Yulan explained the situation succinctly and finally said, "Gangzi, you don’t need to get involved in this matter. We’ll handle it. Today, we already taught her a lesson. I’m sure she won’t dare stir up trouble again."

"Yes, yes, Gangzi, you shouldn’t get involved. After all, you’re an outsider son-in-law." Zhou Fengjuan added, "Don’t worry, I’ll go find her later. I’ll definitely demand an explanation for you guys. Li Yinfeng can’t just slander without evidence. You all eat first, I’m leaving now..."

After saying that, she stormed out to the Zhang Family to seek an explanation.

"Sister-in-law, don’t rush, finish your meal first..." Liu Yulan called out as she watched her leaving figure.

"No, you all eat first." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Everyone exchanged looks, and Liu Yulan said, "Let’s eat dinner first, I’m guessing someone else will come over later."

"Alright..." A few children were serving dishes, dishing out portions, and soon they started speaking.

"Gangzi, why did you buy meat again? We’ve already told you not to bring anything over, the family doesn’t lack food and drink." Liu Yulan looked at the pork belly handed over by Wang Miaomiao, feeling tremendously pleased.

Yang Zhigang also used the communal chopsticks to serve a piece of well-marbled meat to both Liu Yulan and Wang Baoxing and said, "I didn’t bring anything special. Auntie, please eat more. You’ve worked hard today because of me and Pandi." Of course, it was mainly for the mother-in-law, the father-in-law was just incidental.

"Oh my, you eat, eat yourself, I have enough." Liu Yulan smiled with curved eyebrows; this son-in-law was a good choice.

Wang Miaomiao rolled her eyes quietly and sighed... Her whole family was almost taken in, only she remained sober, seeing through his hidden motives but was too weak to do anything about it...

Knowing tonight wouldn’t be peaceful, everyone ate quickly, barely finishing their meal, and not long after tidying up, they could hear the distant voices of a group approaching.

Village head Zhang Bingkun brought along Zhang Rongfa, Li Yinfeng, and Zhou Fengjuan.

Wang Miaomiao thought for a moment and took Wang Pandi to prepare tea, even though she didn’t want to deal with Li Yinfeng, the village head and aunt needed to be entertained properly.

"Yulan, Baoxing, we’re here." Zhou Fengjuan walked in boldly, looking like she had just disciplined Li Yinfeng.

"Sister-in-law, Uncle Zhang, come in and sit." With male guests at home, Wang Baoxing, as the head of the family, naturally stepped up to greet them, while Liu Yulan, giving due recognition, believed the matter would be handled well with the village head present.

Village head Zhang Bingkun was a fair person, having proved himself over the years. Both Liu Yulan and Wang Baoxing trusted him.

Zhang Bingkun first placed a mesh bag on the table, "Baoxing, these are rewards from the village for Miaomiao. Congratulations on her being the top scorer for Provincial High School. You’re fortunate; you’ll be well cared for by your children in the future."

"Oh my, thank you, Uncle Zhang." Wang Baoxing looked at the items in the bag happily: a military-green water bottle, a ceramic cup, and an aluminum lunchbox, all necessities for Miaomiao’s upcoming school life.

"I am indeed lucky; I don’t have to wait for the future, already enjoying the blessings of having a daughter." Wang Baoxing pointed at Yang Zhigang and said, "This is my daughter Pandi’s fiancé, Yang Zhigang, a former serviceman, now a squad leader at the town’s armed forces department. He’s not very successful, but he’s filial. We haven’t officially set the engagement, yet he’s been bringing lots of things over."

Wang Baoxing said this deliberately, emphasizing the three words "armed forces department" significantly, as if to warn those gossiping behind their backs.

Yang Zhigang stood up and saluted Zhang Bingkun, "Hello, village head!"

"Oh my, there’s no need, Mr. Yang. Hello, hello... Please sit down..." Zhang Bingkun hurriedly stood up, understanding the meaning behind his introduction.

The subject of the gossip was willing to attend in person, so he must be aware of the cause and effect, making any cover-up unnecessary, which suited him fine. He had no intention of favoring her, this troublemaker, to begin with, and it was time for her to be taught a lesson for tarnishing the Zhang Family’s reputation.

"You’re the elder, just call me Gangzi." Yang Zhigang spoke formally, quite different from his jovial demeanor during the meal, "I’ve learned about today’s matter; I’d like to make it clear that from the day Pandi and I committed to each other after our matchmaking, I’ve had no involvement with anyone else. Pandi, being gentle and kind, is indeed my ideal spouse. I don’t wish to hear any more rumors in the future, or I wouldn’t mind inviting certain individuals to the armed forces department for a cup of tea!"

While speaking, Yang Zhigang kept his gaze on Li Yinfeng.

Li Yinfeng only met his eyes for a few seconds before feeling intimidated, quickly lowering her head and not daring to look up again. Despite the intense heat of July, she couldn’t help but shiver a few times.

"Yes, yes, Pandi is a kind and skillful girl, a rare gem in the village." Zhang Rongfa felt intimated as well, but he needed to resolve the mess his wife created, so he forced himself to speak, "Mr. Yang, my wife was wrong today. I’ve already scolded her at home, and she realizes her mistake. She won’t gossip again. I’ll have her apologize to you."

He nudged Li Yinfeng, urging her to speak.

Li Yinfeng hung her head, utterly ashamed, not from remorse but from embarrassment, "I was wrong. I won’t gossip in the future. If I do it again, may my mouth rot."

"Heh..." Liu Yulan laughed at her disdainfully, knowing her oath wasn’t sincere. She didn’t expect true remorse, merely hoping she wouldn’t come to irritate her anymore.

Seeing no reaction after her apology, Zhang Rongfa braced himself to speak again, "She has repented, and I’ve punished her by letting her stay at her family’s old house for a month to reflect seriously, understand her standing, and discern whether she is the Li Family’s daughter or the Zhang Family’s wife."

Zhang Rongfa was utterly fed up with her, considering how much trouble she’s caused over Wang Zhaodi. Before, he’d let her slide with some grub since a little girl didn’t consume much food, but this time she tarnished the Zhang Family’s reputation, which was unforgivable.

"Alright, seeing as she knows her error, don’t make them again, or I’ll resort to beating you. You may leave..." Liu Yulan considered Zhang Rongfa’s words, her eyes sparkling. The Li Family’s old residence, oh yes, that was a good place. She liked this idea of letting her stay there for a month.

Hearing this, Zhang Rongfa quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, here’s a little token from us, please accept it, consider it an addition to Pandi’s dowry."