C15 Let Them Remember This!!

Zhang Qing and Woo Ann stood to the side, choosing not to intervene any further in the matter, merely observing in silence.

Tang Jin let out a cold snort. "Hmph, now you remember we're family! When you showed up at my door with the police, that thought didn't cross your mind! I'm laying it out right now—if you don't apologize in front of the whole village today, this isn't over!"

Yongzi hung his head low, his face the picture of despondency.

Meanwhile, Tang Jin entered the grocery store once more. He purchased some eggs and a notebook, spending a total of three yuan.

Yongzi's eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw Tang Jin pull out a wad of ten-yuan notes. There must have been at least six or seven of them, easily amounting to what Yongzi would earn in nearly a year.

Woo Ann and Zhang Qing also noticed that Tang Jin was not quite like the other villagers. His demeanor was far from that of a typical farmer; he resembled more the leaders from the town.

Having completed his purchases, Tang Jin returned with Woo Ann, Zhang Qing, and Yongzi.

"The matter has been thoroughly investigated. If there's nothing else, we should be heading back," Tang Jin said, receiving a nod in agreement.

"You see, it's quite embarrassing to have troubled you both with this visit. How about we grab a quick bite before heading back?" Tang Jin offered.

Woo Ann and Zhang Qing shook their heads. "We serve the people; this is our duty. We'll pass on dinner," they replied, ready to depart.

Tang Jin didn't insist further, and Yongzi certainly wasn't in any position to extend an invitation.

On their way back, Tang Jin simply smiled. "What's the matter? I bought these items with police officers as my witnesses. Surely, you don't think they're stolen, do you?"

Yongzi understood that Tang Jin was taunting him, but he was powerless to respond, silently vowing to get even when the opportunity arose.

He lifted his head, forcing a sycophantic smile. "I mean, I am your cousin, after all. How about I just apologize to you privately?"

Tang Jin casually waved the notebook in his hand. "Do you know why I absolutely had to buy this notebook?"

Yongzi shook his head.

"I don't know. What's the purpose of this notebook?"

Tang Jin sneered, "If you don't apologize to my satisfaction in front of all the villagers, then this notebook will be used to write a complaint letter about you!"

Yongzi stepped back several times, wanting to say something, but the cold look on Tang Jin's face made him swallow his words.

At the village entrance, Wang Caifeng was cracking melon seeds with an air of superiority, resembling a rooster strutting after a victory.

"I knew it. How could that poor kid's family afford meat, let alone apples and shrimp? I never expected him to stoop to stealing!"

The surrounding villagers sighed in agreement.

Ergou stood up and glanced at Wang Caifeng.

"Auntie, that's not fair. Jin used to waste money, sure, but he never resorted to theft. He never took anything from anyone!"

The others nodded in support.

Wang Caifeng snorted dismissively, "Don't think I'm unaware that you've taken his dirty money, so of course you'd defend him. That's the way of the world when you're in someone's debt!"

Ergou bristled with frustration.

"We'll just wait and see. I'm confident Jin wouldn't do such a thing!"

Soon after, Tang Jin and Yongzi approached, with Yongzi looking utterly downcast.

Wang Caifeng, oblivious, confronted Yongzi.

"Well? Did you come back to retrieve the stolen goods? Is this guy a thief?"

Yongzi pushed Wang Caifeng aside.

"What nonsense! If it weren't for you, it wouldn't have come to this!"

Wang Caifeng was taken aback, and the villagers watching the scene couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

Tang Jin turned to Yongzi.

"Go back to the team and spread the word. If this issue isn't resolved to my satisfaction tonight, I'll write that complaint letter without delay!"

Yongzi could only nod, forcing a smile.

"Fine, whatever you say. I'll follow your lead this time!"

The onlookers were left in stunned silence at the unfolding drama.

Ergou was particularly baffled when he witnessed the normally haughty Village Secretary acting so deferential toward Tang Jin.

"Jin, what's going on? Isn't this guy usually full of himself? Why the sudden change?" he asked.

Tang Jin simply smiled and explained the situation to Ergou.

Ergou laughed in agreement and nodded.

"Exactly! He's gotten too big for his britches after just a couple of days. It's high time someone took him down a peg. Count me in for tonight!"

After their chat, Tang Jin headed home.

Upon his arrival, he was met with Xia Churan's stern expression.

Little Milk Bun was also there, looking lost in thought.

Tang Jin could tell Xia Churan must have caught wind of some unsettling gossip.

"Do you trust me?" he asked abruptly, catching Xia Churan off guard.

She nodded. "I trust you, but you've been acting quite odd lately!"

Tang Jin approached her slowly and wrapped her in his embrace.

"Don't worry. Tonight, Yongzi will apologize in front of the whole village. Remember, I promised to give you a good life!"

Just then, the village broadcast announced, "Tonight at eight o'clock, please gather at the square!"

A smirk played on Tang Jin's lips.

Xia Churan, puzzled by his reaction, asked, "What exactly is happening?"

Tang Jin shared the entire story with her.

Her furrowed brow eased, and she clenched her fists with resolve.

"Serves them right. It's about time they got a taste of their own medicine!"

Tang Jin's laughter echoed. "Hahaha, indeed, it's a lesson they won't soon forget!"

Word of the event spread like wildfire through the village.

By evening, the news of Yongzi's impending apology to Tang Jin was the talk of the town.

That night, the village square was bustling with people of all ages, eager to witness the spectacle. With no other entertainment around, this drama was the highlight of their evening, and they were all curious to see how the once imperious Village Secretary would say sorry.

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