Chapter 113 - A Big Cucumber That Came to See Lil'dino
“Offer you money?” Lee Xiulian chuckled with anger, “Hand over a hundred thousand yuan and expect us to fund the temple? We're not naive to think you're virtuous. We all see through your intentions. No one would imagine you capable of such treachery. But that money was earned by Xiaoloong, penny by penny. Why should I hand it over to you?”
Old Lady Yao, upon hearing this, grew flustered. Her hands quivered as she spoke, “This is akin to a dog biting Lü Dongbin. You fail to recognize good-hearted people. I've already contributed half of my savings. How could I covet your money?”
“Indeed, if you're not satisfied with a few yuan, then why not demand a hundred thousand?” Lee Xiulian's words were sharp, each one a cut at the other party's facade.
“How dare you say that?”
“Do you truly believe we're the covetous ones?”
The group of elderly women seethed with righteous anger, pounding their chests and stamping their feet. Lee Xiulian was ungrateful, deemed the most detestable woman in the world.
“You be the judge,” Old Madam Yao gestured towards the women around her, “Do you think we're rallying for the temple's construction for the sake of a hundred thousand yuan? Do you think I'm willing to sell myself for such a paltry sum?”
“Indeed, you're priceless. How could a hundred thousand yuan suffice? It should be at least 2.5 million yuan,” Lee Xiulian added, dripping with sarcasm.
This time, the old lady was genuinely incensed. She pointed at Lee Xiulian, trembling with anger, unable to articulate her thoughts. After a long pause, she finally spoke, “Xiaoloong already expressed his desire to fund the temple. Who do you think you are? Xiaoloong's mother or his wife? Do you assume your closeness to him means you can dictate the temple's affairs?”
“You…” Lee Xiulian choked on her words. Nonetheless, she wasn't one to be easily subdued. Besides, she had already settled matters with Zhang Xiaoloong. “Why? Because I'm Xiaoloong's god-sister, and Xiaoloong is like a brother to me. He entrusted me to oversee this greenhouse, preventing the unscrupulous from taking advantage. Because I, Lee Xiulian, still possess a conscience, knowing to fend for myself without coveting others' wealth. Do you find fault with that?”
Old Madam Yao no longer trembled. She approached Zhang Xiaoloong and grasped his hand. “Child, I don't want to hear her speak. Tell me, can you not afford this temple? Can you fund it?”
Lee Xiulian began to retort but noticed Zhang Xiaoloong signaling her. She begrudgingly swallowed her words.
“Grandma Yao, then tell me, I'm willing to provide the funds. How do you plan to proceed with the temple's construction?” Zhang Xiaoloong inquired, “When I provide the funds, you must account for its expenditure, correct?”
“Simple,” Grandma Yao replied with renewed vigor upon sensing an opportunity, “Our Gouzi is adept at construction. Finding someone to build the temple won't be difficult. We elderly women will frequent the temple, ensuring the Wolf God receives proper reverence. This will bring blessings to our village. Once the temple stands, your endeavors will prosper even more!”
“So, you intend for Gouzi to oversee it?” Lee Xiulian finally interjected, unable to contain herself, “I've heard that the village plans to construct roads, and he's vying for that contract. Now, he's here to oversee temple repairs. He seems to have his hands in everything. Why did the city's construction team send him packing?”
“You speak nonsense. Gouzi has no interest in working there anymore,” Old Lady Yao's complexion paled, fearing Lee Xiulian knew too much. Continuing would only expose herself. She hastened to pull Xiaoloong away, “Xiaoloong, what's your opinion? Our duty is to serve the Wolf God. We should consider letting insiders handle it. Why entrust outsiders?”
Zhang Xiaoloong chuckled, “Grandma Yao, by temple rules, especially for the Wolf God, the temple should be constructed. I shouldn't meddle in superstitious beliefs. However, you're an elder, and since you've spoken… I don't wish to embarrass you, but demanding a hundred thousand yuan complicates matters. If Gouzi builds the temple, I can't assist. I respect you, but I'm not naive. Accept Elder Sister Lianzi's hundred yuan if you wish. If not, you may leave.”
“Very well, you ungrateful lot. Are you not afraid of divine retribution?” Old Madam Yao erupted, as if embodying a divine messenger lecturing mortals on their ignorance, “The Wolf God blessed you with riches, yet you hesitate to contribute to the temple. Beware, for the Wolf God will grow wrathful at your callousness. You'll find not a penny left!”
“Indeed, he squanders millions yet refuses to build a temple for the Wolf God. The more wealth he amasses, the more miserly he becomes…”
“And you,” an elderly woman brandished her spear towards the woman planting seeds, “Working for someone like this, aren't you afraid of consequences? Earning money through ill intentions isn't sustainable!”
Though often requesting rewards, businesspeople dreaded such curses, especially those incessantly nagging elderly women.
The women planting seeds found the situation peculiar.
Zhang Xiaoloong remained unperturbed. Hastening forward, he intercepted a group of departing elderly women.
“Have you reconsidered?” inquired Elder Yao.
“Every penny I've earned in this greenhouse reflects my integrity,” Zhang Xiaoloong asserted, gesturing to his chest. “You're starting the Wolf Temple, aren't you? Have you considered the repercussions of disrespecting the divine? I'll show you where the Wolf God resides. Who's truly betraying their conscience?”
With these words, he strode toward the stone boundary of the garden.
Perplexed, the elderly women and seed planters watched as Zhang Xiaoloong, Lee Xiulian, and Lu Xiaoya followed.
“Awoo…” Zhang Xiaoloong cupped his hands around his mouth, emitting a wolf-like howl.
A small, snowball-like wolf bounded forth from the shadows, joining in the chorus, lifting its head to the sky.
“Awoo…”
Two howls, one deep and resonant, the other youthful and vibrant, echoed toward Wormwood Mountain.
Silence followed. The elderly women breathed a sigh of relief, realizing it was merely a spectacle.
As they prepared to depart, a distant wolf howl echoed, seemingly in response.
In under five minutes, a pack of wolves materialized on the horizon. Led by the Wolf King, they howled at Zhang Xiaoloong, then bowed respectfully.
“Performing rituals doesn't equate to goodness,” Zhang Xiaoloong addressed the trembling old ladies. “Exploiting the guise of charity for profit hardly differs from villainy.”
Tongues clicked in astonishment as the old ladies hastily departed, no longer daring to speak of dedicating the temple to the Wolf God.
The living Wolf God stood before them, soliciting funds for a temple? Skepticism for a prolonged life?
“Let's get back to work,” Lee Xiulian urged, leading Lu Xiaoya away. “Come, I'll show you Xiaoloong's impressive cucumbers.”
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