The Beautiful Stepmother from the Eighties: Marrying a Factory Director to Raise Kids

Chapter 468

The man's face caved in at a speed visible to the naked eye.He froze for a full dozen seconds until some warm, wet liquid gushed out from his nose.

Only then did he let out a terrified shriek, "Ah—!"

Second Child was released. Seeing the man bleeding, he was terrified. He had only punched him lightly; how could there be so much blood?

He hurriedly ran to hide behind Zhou Yueshen, whispering nervously, "Dad, I didn't mean to. He told me to hit him."

It was his first time hitting someone, and he was very scared, but he had just been so angry.

These bad guys had beaten Brother Chen Haoran so badly, and he had merely given the man one punch.

But Second Child hadn't expected this person to be so fragile. Why was he bleeding?

Having done such a bad thing for the first time, fear crept up on him in hindsight.

Zhou Yueshen patted his son's shoulder with his large hand and said in a deep voice, "Don't be afraid, but you can't be so impulsive next time."

He knew at a glance that these people were up to no good. Second Child usually had the best relationship with Chen Haoran, so it was normal for him to be angry seeing him beaten like this.

But he hadn't expected that after hitting someone, the boy would scare himself.

Zhou Yueshen's eyes showed a hint of helplessness.

He really didn't want to get physical either. He glanced at Chen Haoran and said coldly, "Are you going to the police station yourselves, or should I take you there?"

The group of men hadn't yet recovered from the sight of their companion being punched bloody by a little kid when they heard this.

Their faces immediately darkened.

In their line of work, being threatened was the biggest taboo.

Other people would turn and run when they saw them.

Who would just come up and threaten to call the police like this?

Wasn't this guy an idiot?

Although the man in front of them looked tall and burly, they had the advantage in numbers and weapons in their hands, so naturally, they weren't afraid.

"You've got some nerve. Do you know who we are? You want to call the cops? Watch me break your legs, let's see you call them then."

The leading man stepped forward with a stick and swung it right at Zhou Yueshen's head.

"Dad!" Second Child was terrified and let out a scream.

The next second, he was so shocked he lost his voice.

He saw his dad simply raise a hand and block the heavy blow of the stick.

It was as if the opponent hadn't used any force at all.

The man was also stunned, not expecting him to block it so casually. Annoyance flashed in his eyes, and he pulled hard to yank it back.

But no matter how hard he pulled, the stick remained entirely motionless in the man's grip.

Instead, he found himself sticking his butt out, kicking backward with all his might, his face flushed red.

The scene was incredibly comical.

Zhou Yueshen twisted his wrist. The man only felt a tremendous force strike his hand, causing him to let go instantly. Before he could react, the rather crude wooden stick that had been in his hands suddenly felt like an iron rod, swinging toward him with a biting gust of wind.

The man was frightened out of his wits. In the face of absolute power, he actually forgot to dodge.

The strong wind blew against his face, bringing a stinging sensation.

By the time he regained his senses, the stick he had used to strike others was pressing right against his own head.

If this blow had landed, wouldn't his skull have been split open?

The man slumped to the ground, his legs turning to jelly from the sheer terror.

The people around them were also dumbfounded.

When they realized what had happened, their expressions changed completely.

They weren't fools, and it wasn't like they had never seen a trained fighter.

Bangzi was usually the bravest and fiercest fighter among them.

Yet right now, he was so scared he was paralyzed on the ground, unable to move.

It was clear how terrifying that scene just now had been.

Even they had been scared silly. The speed at which the man swung the stick was too fast; it wasn't their kind of wild flailing, but a strike that could genuinely kill someone.

Seeing the man walking toward them, the group swallowed hard and backed away a few steps.

"Um... let's talk this out calmly, comrade. We just wanted Chen Haoran to pay back the money."

"Yeah, it's only right to pay off your debts."

Before they could even finish speaking, Zhou Yueshen swung the stick, knocking the few men to the ground in just two or three strikes.

Cries of pain echoed all around.

Ten or so minutes later, the police arrived and took the group away.

Chen Haoran was injured, but it wasn't serious. He had just taken a few hits from the sticks, leaving him with some superficial wounds.

These people had ultimately just been trying to scare him; they didn't actually dare to take things too far.

Si Nian sat on the sofa eating pastries and fruit, her expression unreadable.

Zhou Yueshen took Chen Haoran to the hospital, while Second Child went home.

At this moment, he was sitting as quiet as a mouse beside Si Nian, doing his homework. His eyes couldn't help but dart toward the snacks and pastries on the table. He swallowed his saliva and continued writing.

For the first time, he felt that doing homework next to his mother was a terrifying thing.

Because he had lost track of time playing with Brother Chen Haoran, got into trouble, and ended up in a fight, his mother had kept a dark face ever since hearing about it and ordered him to do his homework.

She also strictly forbade him from going out to play with Chen Haoran for the next few days.

Second Child was a little scared.

Even during dinner, he couldn't help but check Si Nian's expression.

Si Nian lifted her eyes and asked him, "Little Han, what are you looking at me for?"

Zhou Zehan gulped. "Mom, are you... are you mad at me?"

Si Nian simply put down her chopsticks and asked, "Why would I be mad at you?"

Zhou Zehan bit his lip. "I... I got into a fight."

He had promised his mother before that he would never fight and make her angry again.

But today he was just too angry.

Si Nian said, "Is that it?"

A flash of confusion appeared in Second Child's eyes.

What else was there besides that?

He thought hard about it but couldn't figure it out, so he helplessly looked toward his older brother for help.

Zhou Zedong frowned and didn't speak either.

His younger brother was too playful and deserved to be taught a lesson by their mother.

So, he simply ignored him.

Second Child lost his appetite entirely and only knew how to apologize. "Mom, I was wrong. I'll never fight again."

Si Nian said, "You don't even know what you did wrong. Is there any use in apologizing like this?"

Seeing his little eyes turn red, Si Nian's heart softened a bit. This child was always so careless, and having encountered such an incident just now, he had probably long forgotten her instructions.

Although she felt soft-hearted, Si Nian kept a stern face and said deeply, "What did Mom say when you went out with Chen Haoran?"

Second Child held back his tears and suddenly remembered something, his eyes widening. "Mom told me not to play too late and to come home before dark."

"Mom, I was wrong."

"I won't stay out playing for so long anymore."

"Mom, please don't be angry. I'll go stand in the corner right now..."

After saying this, he put down his chopsticks and ran to the wall, standing straight against it for his punishment.

His eye sockets were red, but he tried very hard to keep his tears from falling.

Usually, when he did something wrong or slacked off, his dad would make him stand in the corner.

Seeing him like this, Si Nian found it both exasperating and amusing.

"Finish eating before you stand." It would be a good way to digest his food anyway.

Si Nian didn't spoil him either. If he did something wrong, he should be punished; otherwise, he wouldn't learn his lesson.

Though she loved the children dearly, she didn't want to spoil them.

Right now, they were young enough to be obedient, but once they reached their rebellious phase, it would be easy for them to go astray.

Good habits need to be cultivated from a young age.

As for the matter with Chen Haoran, Si Nian felt quite speechless about it.

She had originally thought it was a romantic encounter, but it turned out to be a rotten one.

Zhang Xue wasn't very old, but she certainly had a lot of nerve. To think she actually dared to borrow from loan sharks.

Sure enough, she was still young and hadn't yet experienced the harsh beatings of society.

Poor Chen Haoran, getting dragged down into this mess.

Fortunately, it hadn't involved her, otherwise she absolutely would not have let Zhang Xue off the hook.

Si Nian had told Chen Haoran to call the police. For the past few days, Zhang Xue had been hiding out at school, too afraid to go outside, even wearing a mask to class.

Even Liu Nana noticed something was wrong and asked her what was going on.

Just a while ago, she had seen Zhang Xue showing off about helping people sell things and making money.

She bragged around school all day. Many people heard she was making money and wanted her to show them the ropes.

Zhang Xue had become quite famous back then.

Liu Nana, however, always felt the money came too easily and was somewhat worried.

In private, she had even advised her to be careful.

After all, pies don't just fall from the sky.

But Zhang Xue was dismissive, thinking Liu Nana was just jealous that she was making money.

Because Liu Nana's family was better off, even though the two were good friends, Zhang Xue had never lived as comfortably as Liu Nana since they were kids.

After coming to the city to study, this gap became even more obvious.

Liu Nana never lacked living expenses, unlike her, who had to call home every time to ask for money.

Her family favored boys over girls. Even though she had gotten into college, they were harsh on her, giving her only five yuan a month for living expenses, whereas Liu Nana got ten yuan.

Zhang Xue also loved to look good. After seeing the refined and beautiful college students in the city, how could she stand her own rustic appearance?

But to change that, this little bit of money was definitely not enough. So, introduced by a suitor, she met some people in business.

Now she was following them, selling things.

She made a lot of money the first time, and Zhang Xue let it go to her head.

When Liu Nana advised her, Zhang Xue naturally assumed she couldn't stand seeing her do better.

Originally, she had wanted to bring Liu Nana in to make money together.

But seeing her attitude, Zhang Xue decided not to take her along.

But Zhang Xue never expected the unexpected to happen so quickly.

She had just brought back a batch of goods when the school issued an announcement, posted right on the bulletin board at the main gate.

It stated that a group of people selling counterfeit goods had been reported. Rumor had it that many students were scammed into joining and even took out high-interest loans to buy large quantities of these fake goods. The case was now under investigation, and everyone was warned to be careful and not to buy such-and-such products...

And the photo attached was the exact product she was selling.

Their tactic was to first pretend to be students buying products from other students, marketing it as an easy way to make money so they could taste the sweetness of success. Then, they lured them with the promise of big profits into borrowing from loan sharks to buy the fake goods.

After many students bought the fakes, they realized no one was buying them at all.

This led to an inability to repay the money, being hounded by loan sharks, and even having to sell themselves to pay off debts.

Because this case involved a large number of people, the city had already organized special investigators who were currently questioning people at the school.

Zhang Xue had only sensed something was wrong after she got the goods.

The people who used to come in groups to buy face cream from her suddenly seemed to have vanished.

Once she brought in the new stock, no one came to buy from her.

Having invested thousands into it without being able to sell a single bottle, she was dumbfounded.

Those classmates who had enthusiastically wanted to make money with her were now coming back to cause trouble, demanding refunds.

Because they couldn't sell anything at all.

Some even said her products were fakes, citing the school's announcement, and were too afraid to sell them.

Only then did Zhang Xue find out about the whole thing.

A few days later, while Zhang Xue was in a state of panic, the loan sharks came knocking.

She was terrified, deeply afraid she would end up like those other college students, dragged off to sell her body to pay off the debt. So, no matter who called for her, she hid in the dorm, not daring to go out.

Fortunately, these people didn't have the guts to enter the school to look for her.

This allowed Zhang Xue to breathe a sigh of relief.

She just wanted to quickly find someone to sell the goods to, and then go home to hide for a while.

But no one wanted them even at a low resale price. People simply didn't buy this brand from her, much less spend money on it; those with money had their own channels.

Zhang Xue couldn't sit still anymore. Hearing Liu Nana's question, it was as if she finally remembered she had this good friend, and she pleaded for help, "Nana, do you have any money? Lend me a little, I want to go home for a trip."

Liu Nana was stunned for a moment and asked her, "Why are you going home?"

Zhang Xue's eyes looked guilty as she said, "Something happened to my parents, I want to go back and check on them."

Liu Nana frowned, "Didn't you make money? Why do you need to borrow from me?"

Not long ago, Zhang Xue was always bragging about how much money she had made.

She had also deliberately distanced herself; even a fool like Liu Nana had noticed.

She felt very uncomfortable about it, but considering they had known each other for years, she didn't say anything.

Yet now she was asking to borrow money.

Zhang Xue immediately explained, "Isn't it because I used it all to get goods to sell? My cash flow just hasn't recovered yet. Don't worry, I'll pay you back as soon as I return."

Seeing her face full of anxiety, which didn't seem fake, Liu Nana found it hard to refuse and asked, "How much do you need?"

If her parents were really sick and she didn't help out, it really wouldn't be justifiable.

As she said this, Lu Yao, who was reading a book nearby, tilted her head and glanced at her.

Her eyes held an unreadable expression.

"Not much, just lend me thirty. I know you have a habit of saving money..." Zhang Xue's eyes lit up with pleasant surprise as she hurried to say.

Liu Nana's expression changed instantly. "Thirty! Since when does a bus ticket cost that much? You're not lying to me, are you?"

She could lend her money for a ticket, but if she was going to use it to buy more goods, Liu Nana was unwilling.

She immediately refused, "I don't have that much!"

Zhang Xue's face, which had just brightened, instantly turned ugly. "Come on, Nana, we've known each other for over a decade, and you won't even lend me thirty bucks? Have you forgotten how I always took care of you when we were in school? And now you doubt me? This is really heartbreaking!"

"I just wanted to buy some medicine from here to take back to my parents, and you actually think of me like this!"

Her face was full of disappointment.

At these words, Liu Nana was speechless.

It was true that back in high school, it was always Zhang Xue who hung out with her. They were inseparable and promised to be good sisters for life.

Seeing her like this now, she immediately said, "It's not like that, Xiaoxue, don't be mad. I'll lend it to you."

She had actually saved a few dozen yuan, keeping it for future use.

But ​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌‍with Zhang Xue in such a rush, she didn't know what else to do.

"Wait here, I'll go get the money for you."

Zhang Xue was finally satisfied and smiled, "Nana, you're the one who treats me the best!"

Lu Yao slammed her book down with a smack.

"Liu Nana, I advise you not to lend it to her."

Liu Nana froze and looked at her in confusion, "What's wrong?"

"Are you blind? Did you not see the bulletin board outside the school saying that many college students have been scammed recently? If I remember correctly, the pile of goods shoved onto Zhang Xue's bed is the exact fake merchandise the school warned about!"

She originally hadn't wanted to meddle, but she hadn't expected Liu Nana to be so foolish.

To not even notice that something was wrong.

Lately, Zhang Xue had been acting like a thief. If she hadn't wanted to avoid being a busybody, she would have reported Zhang Xue a long time ago.

Zhang Xue's face paled. "Y-you're talking nonsense! Mine isn't a fake!"

"You know perfectly well whether it's real or not."

"Nana, do you believe her or me?" Zhang Xue demanded angrily.

Hearing this, Liu Nana's suspicions were aroused. She asked, "Xiaoxue, tell me the truth. Were you really scammed?"

No wonder she had been holed up in the dorm lately, refusing to go out whenever Nana asked, and even wearing a mask to class.

She had assumed Zhang Xue was just feeling under the weather.

Now, Nana's expression turned grim.

Realizing she had been exposed, Zhang Xue panicked. Flustered and angry, she snapped, "That's a load of nonsense! You just don't want to lend me the money. Why make up so many excuses?"

With that, she spun around in a huff, yanked the door open, and prepared to storm out.

To her surprise, several police officers were standing right outside. Seeing her emerge, one of them spoke up, "Hello, we are the police. Is Zhang Xue here? Please come with us..."