I am chasing a rough man in the 80s
Chapter 423: A Big Appetite

Chapter 423: Chapter 423: A Big Appetite

Suizi’s words didn’t completely placate Wang Cuihua, as she was unable to connect reading comic books with accomplishing grand tasks.

It was not only Yu Jingting’s unconventional behavior that gave Wang Cuihua a headache, but also Yu Shuisheng’s restlessness that overwhelmed her.

"If he doesn’t come back, I think about it everyday. If he does come back and I see him playing around like a child, it also upsets me," Wang Cuihua complained to Suizi.

Suizi thought to herself, What you’ve got isn’t a headache, but a backache, right?

But such gossips were better left unspoken in the presence of her mother-in-law. Instead, she demonstrated caring as a daughter-in-law.

"My dad just got back. He needs at least a few months to adjust."

"Adjust to what? He behaves as if he never saw..."

Wang Cuihua refrained herself from saying "never saw women" and changed it to "never saw the world".

Suizi played along.

Hoping her mother-in-law hadn’t spotted her logical fallacy.

Having been a person of significance in the Border, there’s nothing he hasn’t seen. His dilemma seemed more like excessive free time than inexperience, which, lies the difference.

"Mom, just bear with it for a few months. When grandpa gets used to things, we’ll think about what’s next."

"No, if he continues to idle, one of us would go crazy. I’m considering having him get a driver’s license, and perhaps also Tiegen. The tractor, he can use it to find some work to do."

Wang Cuihua joined Suizi in watching the news. She noticed that the media was frequently broadcasting the news that farmers are allowed to earn money by using tractors for transportation, which made her decide to stay abreast of current affairs.

Suizi considered it, and concluded that the timing wasn’t right yet.

Just like in the first half of the year when the family was selling small commodities, the wind is changing directions now. But it will still take half a year for policies to reach the local level.

"He could start studying for his driver’s license," Suizi suggested.

By the time he learns how to drive, the policies should have loosened.

When that time comes, grandpa shouldn’t be relied upon for transportation work, it would be a waste of his talents. However, learning something new at this stage would be good for keeping his minds off things.

The mother and daughter-in-law discussed these matters during the day, and by night, someone from their old house came.

The village chief led two people over, bringing news that irritated Yu Jingting.

"They’re taking back our tractor?"

The village chief was distressed, wringing his hands. He didn’t dare to broach this topic. He shared a good relationship with Tiegen and his wife, but this time, pressed by higher authorities, he had to risk losing face.

"Yes. We have received order from higher up. It says private sales are not allowed, so..." the village chief couldn’t finish, and covered his face with his hand.

Yu Jingting chuckled, glancing at the two men standing next to the village chief.

Since his departure from the village, these two had become local hooligans and reportedly had some connections.

"Is it that the higher-ups don’t allow private sales of tractors, or only specific people are allowed to drive?"

The confrontation forced the village chief into an awkward position. He could only cover his face in shame.

The two brothers were rather aggressive.

"Yu Jingting, don’t make things difficult. This is not a competition of strength. You have to give up the tractor. If not, you’re in for a surprise!"

Suizi instinctively looked at him. Seeing him squint, but making no move, she sighed with relief.

A few months as a leader hadn’t been in vain. He now understood moderation and knew that he couldn’t lash out.

"We can give it up, but this tractor was bought from the villagers for six thousand yuan," Suizi said.

"Don’t worry, we have the money," said one of the brothers, surprised by Suizi’s compliance. He was quick to pull out his green shoulder bag and place it on the table.

Wang Cuihua was anxious. She wanted to speak, but Yu Shuisheng handed her a cup of tea. It was a signal for her to keep quiet.

"We bought it for six thousand, but we can’t sell it at the same price. After it came back, many parts needed fixing, costing us an additional two thousand. Eight thousand, no negotiation," Suizi demanded, making an eight with her fingers.

"You’re talking nonsense! Doesn’t everybody know that your family became rich because of this tractor? You’ve earned so much money!" The impulsive younger brother grew agitated.

Yu Jingting crossed his legs, understanding what Suizi was trying to do.

"Whether we made money or not, that’s none of your business. Eight thousand, take it or leave it. Once this deal is off the table, the price will be increased to ten thousand,"

"If you dare, you can go to the higher-ups. Worst case scenario, I go to jail. But remember this, unless I bite the bullet, none of you will have a good time."

Yu Jingting’s threat left the two brothers speechless. Even though they were mentally prepared, facing someone as tough as Yu Jingting still unnerved them.

After Yu Jingting played the ’bad cop’, Suizi jumped in to play the ’good cop’.

"You all know how temperamental Jingting is. While we’re still willing to negotiate, you should make a decision."

"Oh, and I just want to remind you, the news has been broadcasting recently that there’s a preliminary plan to allow farmers to operate tractors. If you wait too long and we change our minds to not sell, you won’t be able to do anything."

The couple had tried both amicable and tough methods.

The brothers were at a loss for words. They stepped outside for a smoke and to discuss their strategy.

The village chief stayed in the room, continuously apologizing to Suizi and Yu Jingting.

"This happened so suddenly, they just ran over and coerced me. I didn’t even have the chance to tell you beforehand. How could they force us to retract a done deal? I’m really embarrassed to face you both."

Before Suizi and Yu Jingting could respond, Yu Shuisheng spoke.

"Old brother, you haven’t changed a bit after all these years."

"Yes, fourth brother, you must speak up for me!" The village chief thought Yu Shuisheng was going to speak on his behalf.

"Just like before, trying to please both sides and playing it safe — You took their bribe, didn’t you?"

Yu Shuisheng’s comment caught the village chief off guard, and he gestured wildly.

"I really didn’t accept any money!"

"So you took some goods instead?"

"..."

"Tsk."

The father and son of the Yu family both scoffed simultaneously.

"After accepting my son’s favor, you went over to their side for more. Old brother, you sure know how to live,"

The village chief could hide his embarrassment no longer.

"I... I didn’t really have a choice."

Whether he accepted the brothers’ gifts or not wouldn’t shake their connections higher up. He couldn’t afford to offend the Yu family, or the brothers either.

Being caught in the middle was difficult.

"Chief, we understand your predicament, but the way you handled this is truly out of line," Suizi said, her tone still gentle.

The village chief was sweating profusely.

Having received their kindness, he was left speechless by Suizi’s reprimands. He just stood there awkwardly, like a scolded child.

Suizi didn’t continue blaming him.

From the village chief’s attitude, she could tell that he was indeed under pressure. Accepting gifts was secondary, the main issue was undue pressure from the brothers.

A mild reprimand was enough. The next time something similar happened, a smart person would know how to take sides.

The brothers came back in from outside and pointedly asked Yu Jingting:

"This is all the cash we have on us. Can we owe the rest?"