I unconscious shortly after.
Chen stared in shock, feigning clarity as exclaimed:
"Why it Xiaowan? just dropped by today. After something me, became dizzy... thought... thought it you!"
Mother-in-law believed him.
Or perhaps had no choice but believe.
She unleashed all fury on vowing beat time they met, send old friends family in hometown, demanding Duan family.
Zhang no pushover.
After caught Duan ruined immediately latched onto Muzhi.
With nose implant shattered front knocked Mother-in-law's beating, now half-disfigured, retaliated a bombshell that nearly old woman a stroke:
Chengcheng wasn't even biological grandson!
"Mom hospitalized That bitch even said they should 'compete fairly' who snag Uncle Chen."
Duan rubbed his irritably. "I knew trouble since walked in on me showering when Should have let live us!"
"Now Mom's sell house for cash. Says you have child catch wolf, wants herself Uncle before things change..."
19
Two weeks later, vanished.
He disappeared same afternoon Mother-in-law transferred him yuan, taking him:
- initial 1 "compensation"
- 500,000 savings
- 600,000 three dance club aunties
- 300,000 Xiaowan
At first, Mother-in-law refused believe.
She insisted have had urgent reasons, telling everyone:
"Our generation's love truest! dream Muzhi's youth! How cheat me? Besides, this arranged by matchmakers government units are trustworthy!"
"Maybe planning a surprise proposal right now!"
She led three invested dance company.
The company remained, but staff informed them:
"He's not our Recently borrowed our office for a 50-million-yuan collaboration. Now we're looking for him too!"
Still in denial, went station.
The young host first blind session said curiously: "We only arranged one program filming. After your high bride price demands scared everyone off, we contacted you again..."
Mother-in-law mumbled: "That second host... cameraman... them 2000 yuan red each..."
Before finishing, collapsed rigidly.
When awoke, half paralyzed.
Fully conscious but eyes bulging rage, only slur:
"My money... DouDou... come back..."
The square dance leader who once "don't even meet anyone offering less than 500,000 bride price" had become a complete joke penniless, homeless, sued by three dance friends.
This news specially delivered by Auntie Zhang, who transferred three buses across city dramatically recount it at station.
"She's squatting in hospital discharge! Duan took salary card neighborhood called him, but claims his mom still owes him a million!"
"Remember how cursed you DouDou daily? son so many Now karma's here! Pity you wretched state!"
I stayed silent.
Not that hadn't imagined witnessing their downfall that would've been truly satisfying.
At core, I'm timid, conflict-averse, prone compromise. If they hadn't tried daughter I'd have discovered this capacity in myself.
Humanity blooms in desperation.
But thinking brings grief guilt.
So moved far away.
Afraid might soften, waver, that mercy towards villains might plunge me DouDou deeper into tragedy.
Soon Auntie returned updates:
"The got your ex-MIL a new card tiny apartment. We visited dark, reeking urine after knocked over bedpan."
"She wailed when saw us, snot tears Know Xiaowan's taking revenge for regular all knocked now!"
On fifth visit, Auntie smiled:
"Zhang Xia, what do you think son? I've always a daughter-in-law like you. A widow child needs a man's support."
I politely declined, saying wouldn't consider remarrying for ten years just want raise DouDou safely.
Auntie left regretfully, returning.
Her intentions might've been genuine.
Or after 2 yuan.
I choose suspect worst.
With no retreat, no backup, no family.
In this cruel world, tread carefully step taken in vigilance.
