Chapter 153: Chapter 153: The Blood Case
The scissors provided her with immense comfort, as if an invisible force was protecting her.
Yet she was not free.
Zhang Cuihua’s heart was filled with endless anxiety and unrest; she knew that all that had happened today was merely a glimpse of what was to come, and the danger still lurked.
She began to ponder over how to resolve the current crisis while also worrying about the potential consequences of her actions.
She deeply understood that the conspiracy was far more complicated than she had imagined and that she couldn’t afford to be careless.
Zhang Cuihua knew her fate was not entirely in the hands of external forces, but also relied greatly on the courage and wisdom within her.
Zhang Baishun and a few clansmen didn’t return home, but instead sat at the village’s eastern restaurant.
He had a rule that if one owed favors, they had to treat others to a meal.
But today he did not wish to host, for he felt he had completely lost.
Yet his clansmen didn’t see it that way; for them, having liquor to drink was better than anything else.
The restaurant owner brought over the Wuliangye Baijiu that Zhang Baishun had kept there.
The younger generation laughed heartily as they filled glasses for the elders.
They were oblivious as they poured and said, "The liquor is good, let me fill up for the elders first."
But Zhang Baishun was indifferent, smoking continuously and thinking about everything that had happened that day.
Soon, the cups were brimming with the strong aroma of alcohol, and the table was laden with various savory dishes.
However, Zhang Baishun was not in high spirits.
Suddenly, he felt a surge of anger and disappointment over his failure, which prevented him from truly enjoying the fine drinks and food before him.
His brows were furrowed, and his gaze drifted around as if searching for an outlet for his frustration.
The clansmen did not understand the turmoil inside Zhang Baishun; they drank heartily, laughing and chatting loudly. One of them said, "Uncle Baishun, take today’s events as a minor setback. Don’t take it too personally; tomorrow will surely bring an opportunity to make up for it."
Another clansman agreed, "That’s right, drinking eases worries. Drink enough, and all troubles will be forgotten."
Zhang Baishun silently listened to their words, unable to quell the anger in his heart. He took a symbolic sip.
But before he could finish his drink, Liu Chunsheng, a younger member of the family, stepped forward to offer Liu Baishun a toast.
He suddenly let out a roar.
"What toast? Put that away!"
"Uncle, look, it’s all over now, and we didn’t come out on the losing side, did we?"
Liu Baishun normally followed suit, but the more he thought about it, the angrier he became!
He smashed the cup onto the ground, then flipped the table over, causing the alcohol to spill and the shattered glasses to chime. Everyone looked at him in shock, at a loss for what to do.
"Drinking to ease worries? Ease my ass!"
Zhang Baishun was livid; he slammed the table and brushed all the cups and plates to the floor.
"All of you fuck off! Damned Liu Yutong and Liu Zheng!"
The others exchanged glances, unsure of how to console him.
One person tentatively said, "Baishun, don’t be too discouraged. Everyone fails at times. This is just a temporary defeat."
Another person also tried to pacify him, "Yeah, don’t blame yourself too much. When we harvest the wheat in the village next time, we’ll take them by surprise again."
However, Zhang Baishun paid no heed to their consolation. He decided to vent his anger.
He flung down the bar owner’s thousand Yuan for the alcohol fiercely on the table and sneered, "Sun Dongliang! There, I’ve paid you!"
Then, he left the table alone.
Back home, Zhang Baishun was emotionally charged, rage surging within him—perhaps a mix of his feelings and the alcohol—as he stumbled into Zhang Cuihua’s room as soon as he got back.
Zhang Cuihua shuddered with fright, eyes filled with terror.
He shouted angrily, "You, betraying me like an inside job, useless as ever! Teaming up with my archenemy to scheme against me! And all day long treating me like a cash machine, huh?"
Zhang Cuihua was so frightened by his imposing manner that she shrank back on the bed, eyes swollen and tears swirling in them.
Her lips trembling, she managed to say, "Dad, I... I didn’t..."
"Shut up!"
Zhang Baishun cut her off. He angrily walked over to the bed and jabbed his finger into her chest.
"You think marrying me means you can have a good life? You’re just a useless waste!"
Zhang Cuihua looked up at him helplessly, tears rolling down.
She tried hard to hold back the sobs, but couldn’t suppress her emotions.
She spoke hoarsely, "Dad, all I want is to be a woman, just that simple. I wish I had my rights."
"Rights? You know shit about rights! You’re just a plaything in our family, got that?"
Zhang Baishun roared, his anger seeming unstoppable.
"You’re nothing but an ignorant fool! How many characters can you read, talking about rights? You’re supposed to be just a plaything for others!"
Zhang Cuihua leaned weakly against the headboard, her gaze full of helplessness and grievance. Her lips quivered slightly, but she said nothing. Silently enduring Zhang Baishun’s scolding, her heart overflowed with helpless tears.
But Zhang Cuihua was still very afraid of this bully in their home despite the previous guarantees from Liu Baishun and Liu Zheng.
Liu Baishun’s enraged face was a mix of sweat and anger, his gaze filled with a beast’s ferocity and bloodlust.
His hands clenched into fists, he kept swinging ferocious punches towards Zhang Cuihua, hitting her body hard. Each punch came with a terrible sound that underscored his brutality and wild nature.
Listen to me! I’m going to show you what Liu Baishun is made of! You still dare not fight back?
Zhang Cuihua’s eyes were moist; she kept retreating, trying to avoid Liu Baishun’s attacks, but she didn’t have the courage to fight back.
She watched Liu Baishun helplessly and fearfully, hoping he would stop. Her body had already been hit hard, bruises left on her skin, but she chose to be silent, daring not to show any resistance.
Zhang Cuihua’s voice trembled, "Please, let me go. What have I done wrong? I beg you, don’t hurt me."
As he hit her, Liu Baishun cursed, "You wretch, it’s high time to teach you a lesson! Today I will make you understand what happens when you piss me off!"
"Please let me go. I’ll leave this place and never bother you again. I’m begging you, please don’t continue to hurt me."
Zhang Cuihua’s eyes were moist; she kept retreating, trying to avoid Liu Baishun’s attacks, but she didn’t have the courage to fight back.
She watched Liu Baishun helplessly and fearfully, hoping he would stop.
Her body had already been hit hard, bruises left on her skin, but she chose to be silent, daring not to show any resistance.
Liu Baishun roared like a madman, having completely lost his sanity. He did not hesitate to unbuckle the belt of his trousers, a malevolent desire burning in his eyes.
