Volume 1, Chapter 17: Since this matter began with me, I shall take full responsibility for it!

When Lin Xiaoxu realized that the middle-aged woman hurling insults was none other than Chen Xiuhong, Lin Manru’s mother, his expression shifted slightly.

"Is that you, Auntie Hong? What brings you to my home so early in the morning? And have I offended you in some way that you feel the need to tear apart the tiles on my roof?"

If one were to trace their relationship back a hundred years, Lin Xiaoxu and Lin Manru’s great-grandfathers were brothers from the same clan.

Chen Xiuhong felt a surge of suspicion. *Has this fool Lin Xiaoxu had plastic surgery? How did he become so handsome? And that build—his muscles are as solid as steel pillars. He looks far too imposing!*

"You damn fool! You’re the reason my Manru broke up with Wanjin and got fired from the restaurant! Now she’s unemployed and owes Wanjin ten thousand yuan. What are we supposed to do? My husband’s legs are ruined, he’s in poor health, and he needs medication year-round. We used to rely on Manru’s salary to get by, but now… Oh, woe is me! How will my family survive? I don’t even want to live anymore!"

Chen Xiuhong plopped down onto the grass, wailing and beating her chest, tears streaming down her face like a breached dam.

Lin Xiaoxu sighed. "Cao Wanjin is no good. Behind Manru's back, he was openly fooling around with a waitress who hadn't even finished her probation period at the restaurant."

"Impossible! That is absolutely impossible!" Chen Xiuhong wiped her nose with her palm and smeared it onto the grass. "Wanjin is not that kind of person! It must have been that shameless waitress who seduced him!"

Lin Xiaoxu was left speechless.

"Fine! Since this started because of me, I will take responsibility. I will come to your house this afternoon to heal Uncle Lin’s legs and his other ailments. As for the ten thousand yuan Manru owes Cao Wanjin, I will pay it. Is that enough?"

Despite her shrewish nature, Lin Xiaoxu knew that Lin Guohua, Manru’s father, was a pitiful man whose legs were crippled and who suffered from chronic illness. In truth, Lin Guohua had always been kind to Lin Xiaoxu, often sharing food and secretly slipping him five or ten yuan whenever he could. For both personal and moral reasons, Lin Xiaoxu felt he had to shoulder this burden.

"Pah! You damn fool who can't even wipe his own backside—do you really think you have that kind of ability? My husband’s legs have been broken for years, and he has other complications. Even the head doctor at the county hospital is helpless. Who do you think you are? Do you really believe your medical skills are better than the head doctor’s?"

She stood up, still cursing. "Shen Yulian, you better keep a better eye on your fool of a husband!" With that, she left without looking back.

Lin Xiaoxu shook his head helplessly. Having played the fool for four years, his reputation was deeply ingrained in everyone's minds; it was only natural that they couldn't accept the change so suddenly.

***

Lin Xiaoxu pulled the colorful tarp off the tricycle and carefully placed four bags of guavas into the cargo bed. Seeing smoke rising from the kitchen chimney, he guessed that Shen Yulian was steaming buns.

As he walked into the kitchen, Shen Yulian turned around.

"Sister-in-law, it’s sweltering today. Why are you still wearing a jacket?" Shen Yulian was so hot she looked drenched in sweat.

"Xiaoxu, my bra doesn't fit anymore, so I’m going without one. I can't let others see, so I put on an extra jacket to cover it up..." Shen Yulian said, sticking out her tongue. Without the support, the weight was almost unbearable.

Lin Xiaoxu felt his face flush. "Sister-in-law, don't go to town to sell mugwort today. We can keep it for ourselves. We can make mugwort eggs, mugwort cakes, or steamed buns. Mugwort is great for women’s health; eating more will be very beneficial for you. You can also use it to soak your feet; it helps with blood circulation, relieves fatigue, and promotes sleep. Keep the wild Solomon’s seal, too—we can use it for soups, steaming, or porridge. From now on, I’ll be the one earning money to support the family. You don’t need to worry about money anymore."

"Alright, I’ll listen to you, Xiaoxu."

Lin Xiaoxu’s words, especially the last sentence, touched Shen Yulian deeply. She was reminded of the eight years of hardship she had endured under her abusive husband, Zhao Daming. Although Xiaoxu was young, he was responsible and dependable. Combined with his handsome face and sturdy physique, he was a perfect man you couldn't find even if you searched with a lantern.

After breakfast, Lin Xiaoxu went to his room, retrieved his ID card, and headed toward the county town on his tricycle loaded with the four bags of guavas.

***

A brand-new red motorized tricycle sped past, drawing shocked gazes from hundreds of villagers along the road.

"Is that... is that the fool Lin Xiaoxu riding that tricycle?"
"Yes, it’s definitely him!"
"Wow, that bike looks even flashier than the village chief’s."
"If he bought that, it must have cost six, seven, or eight thousand yuan, right?"
"That fool hasn't even had a decent meal in two months. If he can pull out thousands of yuan to buy a tricycle, I’ll chop my head off and let you use it as a stool!"

Standing in the shadows, Wu Deshun narrowed his eyes, staring intently at the figure on the tricycle until it vanished from his sight.

***

Although Lin Xiaoxu had never been to the flagship store of "Qinxin Fruit," it was easy to find as it was located near the county hospital. He parked his tricycle in a temporary spot and carried the four bags of guavas over.

"Stop! What are you doing?"

As soon as Lin Xiaoxu stepped into the shop, a young man in a suit and tie barked at him.

"Hello, Miss Song asked me to bring her these guavas. Is she in?"

Before Lin Xiaoxu could finish, the man in the suit bellowed again: "You bumpkin, you dare lie to me? Our shop has fixed supply channels, all from top-tier suppliers. Besides, Miss Song is far too high-class to associate with people like you. Do you even have a draft for your lies?"

Fan Zhicong despised farmers more than anything. To him, they were always disheveled, smelled bad, lacked hygiene, littered, spat everywhere, and were uneducated.