Volume One, Chapter 18: The Obstinate Mrs. Wang

Leaving Yu Nian’an’s home, Yu Dingguo, nursing the injury on his hand, decided to first visit the town clinic. Under the blazing sun, his anger only grew fiercer.

That wretched girl—how dare she confront him head-on with such audacity!

Truly, she was fearless, as if ready to go all out no matter the cost. Yu Dingguo felt she was capable of dragging things to a point of no return.

His eyes darkened as he glanced back toward Yu Nian’an’s house. If she was heartless, then he would be ruthless in return.

After walking two miles out of the village, thirst overwhelmed him. He crouched beside a shallow stream to take a drink, but just as he lowered himself, a “bear” suddenly leapt out from the nearby reeds, startling him so much that he tumbled into the water.

Seeing his disheveled state, the “bear” burst into laughter, clapping his hands foolishly.

Squinting, Yu Dingguo realized it was no bear at all, but the village fool from the next village over—Wang Yaozu.

Dressed in a heavy coat despite the summer heat, hair tousled and with a bulky frame, he did indeed resemble a bear.

This infuriated Yu Dingguo. Rising from the water, he swung his fists at Wang Yaozu’s head, striking until blood appeared.

Wang Yaozu quickly stopped laughing, collapsed onto the ground, and began wailing loudly. Just as Yu Dingguo prepared to hit him again to vent his frustration, he suddenly recalled Wang Yaozu’s family situation.

It was as if a pillow was delivered just when sleep overtook him.

Remembering his purpose, Yu Dingguo swiftly adopted a gentle smile, helped Wang Yaozu to his feet, and spoke kindly to him.

“Yaozu, are you alright? Did you hurt yourself when you fell?”

He asked three times, but Wang Yaozu could not understand clearly, only mumbling “Grandma, Grandma.”

Yu Dingguo’s eyes flickered. He leaned close to whisper coaxingly, “Come on, let’s find Grandma. I’ll take you to her.”

This time Wang Yaozu understood, grasping Yu Dingguo’s sleeve and nodding vigorously.

On the way to the neighboring village, someone who saw the wayward fool being returned took it upon themselves to lead Yu Dingguo to the Wang family home.

As they entered the courtyard, a deep voice, tinged with sobs, rang out: “My poor eldest grandson! You’ve finally come back!”

Yu Dingguo looked up to see an elderly woman with graying hair and a slender frame rushing out from a shabby house. Upon seeing Wang Yaozu, her eyes immediately caught the wound on his head.

The old woman’s cries grew louder, then she turned sharply toward Yu Dingguo, her expression darkening instantly.

“Did you hit my eldest grandson on the head?”

Yu Dingguo inwardly mused at the sharpness of her gaze but put on a displeased face. “Madam, I was only trying to return your grandson safely. How dare you accuse me like this!”

The old woman paid no heed and instead became even more aggressive.

“My grandson was missing for so long and the first I see is you! If not you, then who else? I don’t care! That big wound means you owe us compensation! And you’ll take my grandson to the county hospital!”

Yu Dingguo was no pushover either. The two argued fiercely in the courtyard.

The commotion attracted neighbors’ attention. Some, knowing the old woman’s temper, quietly slipped away to fetch her family.

Wang Yaozu had been missing since morning. Considering the old woman’s age, she was left at home while the son, daughter-in-law, and eldest granddaughter went door to door searching. Just as they planned to search beyond the village, they were called back.

“Wang family! Go back—your foolish son has been found!”

The messenger, speaking hastily, let slip the usual nickname for Wang Yaozu. Fortunately, everyone was focused on the search and didn’t object.

Upon hearing this, Wang Laotai’s son, Wang Jianjun, sprinted home, leaving his wife and daughter behind.

The daughter-in-law thanked the messenger before following.

The eldest daughter, Wang Zhaonan, lagged behind, her steps slow and her expression sullen.

The family arrived just in time. Had they been later, Yu Dingguo’s fists might have landed on the old woman—he had never seen such a shameless elder.

Seeing her son, Wang Laotai immediately changed her tone, slapping her thigh and sitting down heavily.

“Oh my dear son, you’ve finally come back. That stranger from some other village not only hit Yaozu but even bullied this old woman.”

Yu Dingguo felt a sharp pain throb in his forehead. If only he had just beaten up Wang Yaozu to vent his anger.

The daughter-in-law who had just arrived entered the yard, smiling apologetically and crouching to soothe the old woman.

“Mother, let’s talk calmly about this.”

She reached out, gently gripping her arm with a bit of force.

But the old woman pushed her to the ground.

“You cursed one! You come back without even asking after Yaozu. Where did your kindness go?”

Then she even bit her.

The daughter-in-law’s smile stiffened but she quickly regained composure and went to check on her son’s injury.

Wang Zhaonan, who had just arrived, glanced at the scene quietly, then moved over to Wang Yaozu, whispering her concern.

Wang Laotai glared at her, then turned her gaze back to Yu Dingguo. With the family all now present, she felt emboldened to continue shouting, determined not to relent until she got an explanation.

Wang Jianjun stood aside, not intervening. Yu Dingguo realized the household was ruled by the old woman. He sighed inwardly and said resignedly, “Grandma, when I found Yaozu, his head was already like that. And since he’s like family to me, how could I have done this?”

Wang Laotai immediately retorted, “What kind of family do we have that includes you?”

“How is it not family? Your granddaughter and I are cousins, so naturally I’m Yaozu’s older brother.”

At this, Wang Jianjun’s wife exchanged a glance with their daughter and discreetly looked away.

Wang Laotai was perplexed. “Granddaughter? I have no granddaughter! If you don’t want to pay compensation, just say so—stop pretending to be close!”

Yu Dingguo closed his eyes in frustration and took a deep breath, reminding himself of his real purpose here, suppressing his impatience.

At that moment, the silent Wang Jianjun seemed to recall something. He approached his mother and whispered a few words.

Judging by his expression, he had remembered something. Yu Dingguo quickly added fuel to the fire: “It’s just coincidental. My cousin’s family is building a house. After helping them, I ran into Yaozu’s younger brother.”

Building a house?

The old woman was no fool. Hearing this, she immediately seized on the important detail; a gleam lit her eyes.

When she spoke again, her earlier fierceness had vanished, replaced by a warm smile as she cheerfully approached Yu Dingguo.

“Oh, what a fuss this has caused! Luckily, it’s thanks to your cousin. Why don’t you stay for a meal?”

Without waiting for his reply, she grabbed his arm and pulled him inside, while instructing her daughter-in-law and granddaughter to hurry and prepare food.