Chapter 65

Zhou Qun's screams echoed through heaven and earth, audible not just in the nearest courtyard near the bathroom, but even further away.0

However, on such a late night, would you dare to go out after hearing such screams?0

Those who were faint of heart certainly wouldn't.0

Who knew what was happening outside? In one word: scary!0

In two words: very scary!0

So despite Zhou Qun's desperate cries, no one came out to "play hero and save the beauty" - though we can't really call him the "beauty" in need of rescue. Even though neighbors these days were generally helpful, wasn't this ghost business something entirely different?0

If someone had shouted "Thief! Someone's stealing manhole covers!", perhaps ten or twenty young men would have rushed out.0

But when you cry: "Help! There's a ghost!"0

Hell no, nobody's coming out.0

Zhou Qun howled in terror, feeling his courage completely shattered. In the thick mist, he saw the floating female ghost and clusters of ghost fires. Zhou Qun was about to go mad with fear; he never imagined a female ghost would actually come to haunt him.0

He screamed like a strangled chicken, wailing non-stop.0

The female ghost floated gently, approaching him before quickly retreating... but her voice seemed to come from very close by: "I'll be watching you, I'll always be watching you, I'll keep my eyes on you..."0

"Ahhhhh!" Zhou Qun finally collapsed under the immense pressure, falling to the ground with a thud, unconscious...0

When Zhou Qun fell silent, the sounds outside also suddenly stopped.0

The white-robed female ghost turned to look at the men's bathroom, revealing an ambiguous smile. She floated near the bathroom, letting out a cackling laugh. The person inside... tightly covered his mouth, trembling, just hoping the ghost wouldn't come in, wouldn't find him.0

He... he was innocent!0

Unlike Zhou Qun, he didn't have all those affairs!0

Besides drinking, he didn't dare do anything wrong!0

The ghost's voice rang out melodiously: "You must be a good person..."0

The person hiding in the bathroom immediately fell to his knees, frantically kowtowing toward the outside: "I know, I know, I know, I'll definitely be a good person, Ghost Sister... no, Immortal Sister, please spare me, spare me..."0

"Hehehehehe..."0

With a burst of laughter, the white figure floated away.0

The man in the bathroom instantly collapsed to the ground, whimpering - he would quit drinking!0

This fellow was none other than the famous drunk of the street. He wasn't a bad person, just unemployed, and his greatest daily pleasure was drinking. Today drinking, tomorrow drinking, drinking at every meal, seizing every opportunity to drink, creating opportunities to drink if none existed - truly the number one drunkard under heaven.0

Because of his drinking habit, he had already encountered ghosts several times, since he always needed to use the bathroom after drinking.0

But in previous encounters, he had only vaguely heard the female ghost's crying, which had scared him nearly to death. Still, he thought that as someone with "experience," he was somewhat different from others.0

He even believed that if he encountered the female ghost again, he could face off against her.0

But when it actually happened, he discovered he was still the same old coward, unchanged in the slightest.0

This time, the female ghost had gone crazy!0

Ah ah ah!0

He had drunk too much again today. His meager earnings weren't enough for drinking. But today he had luck, very good luck - on his way home from work, he found a wallet. On this point, he was quite decent - he didn't keep it for himself but instead honestly called out to the person ahead who had lost their wallet.0

That person was so grateful they insisted on treating him, firmly buying him a roast chicken and two bottles of liquor. Though not expensive wine, the three items together still cost quite a bit.0

He happily went home and feasted. After eating and drinking so much, nature soon called.0

He staggered out, swaying, and from far away saw Zhou Qun moving stones. Though he didn't know why, it piqued his interest - after all, Zhou Qun was moving stones into the women's bathroom.0

How could he not be curious?0

The supposed gentleman of public opinion was moving stones into the women's bathroom in the dead of night - obviously up to no good.0

As a normal person, he absolutely had to be curious, so he crept forward stealthily, sneaking closer. But being not very brave, he was afraid Zhou Qun would discover him, so he went straight to hide in the men's bathroom, planning to watch what Zhou Qun was doing.0

In the dead of night, it was all very suspicious!0

But never in a million years did he expect this!0

He witnessed such a terrifying ghost encounter!0

He was squatting in the bathroom stall, conveniently listening to the commotion, but truly never expected... Zhou Qun would encounter a ghost.0

And then... well, everything that could be heard, shouldn't be heard, was allowed to be heard, wasn't allowed to be heard... he heard it all.0

At this moment, he really wanted to kick that immoral Zhou Qun to death. What was he doing messing around outside, ending up attracting a female ghost - he was completely innocent! If he also got dealt with by the female ghost, it would be more unjust than Dou E.0

This fellow had wet himself in fear, supporting himself against the wall as he came out of the stall, pressing himself against the wall, not daring to move.0

As for running?0

He didn't dare do that either.0

He covered his mouth, crying like a gorilla.0

However, a ghost is a ghost - even though he made no sound, the ghost still knew he was there. Fortunately, since he usually did good deeds and never acted immorally, the female ghost didn't make trouble for him and let him go directly...0

Indeed, one must be a good person.0

He didn't know what was happening outside, just kept kneeling on the ground, upper body pressed against the wall seeking security, crying pitifully non-stop.0

This fellow didn't dare move, but someone braver finally came out - it was Da Qiang from the neighboring courtyard to Zhao Guihua's.0

With "Da" (meaning "big") in his name, his courage was indeed quite big. After hesitating for a while, he was the first to open his door. The creaking sound in the silent night seemed particularly noticeable. Many who were pressed against their doors not daring to move now pricked up their ears.0

Da Qiang shouted loudly: "Who is it? Who's playing ghost tricks!"0

He bellowed once, then looked around, feeling his scalp tingle - how had the whole street suddenly become filled with mist? Who knew where this smoke came from, though it wasn't particularly thick. And in this mist, there were indeed several ghost fires dancing.0

G-ghost fires!!!0

His heart jumped, pounding even harder.0

Even though he called himself brave Da Qiang, at this moment his hand gripping the door tightened.0

"Who! Who is it!"0

He looked around, then exclaimed: "Holy shit! Isn't that Zhou Qun?"0

The weak moonlight still let him clearly see who had fallen unconscious!0

Yes, they all worked at the same factory and lived nearby, so of course they knew each other. Even with Zhou Qun collapsed on the ground, he recognized him at a glance.0

"Zhou Qun, Zhou Qun!"0

He called out loudly several times, but didn't walk forward.0

Well... although he was brave Da Qiang, he wasn't reckless. Seeing this deadly situation, he didn't dare rush forward rashly.0

"Zhou Qun! Is anyone there? Is anyone else there?"0

The surroundings were as quiet as a graveyard.0

No one made a sound.0

He froze between walking forward and not walking.0

"Zhou Qun!"0

Another shout, and perhaps because of this shout, suddenly a woman's wailing voice rang out: "Brother Qun~!"0

This sudden female voice startled brave Da Qiang so much he fell right on his bottom. Several people peeking behind him also retreated, gasping, backing up several yards.0

One particularly timid person ran straight back inside.0

Heaven spirits earth spirits, don't let them see me, don't let them see me!0

Da Qiang held his breath, and in this tense atmosphere, running footsteps were heard: "Brother Qun, what happened to you? What's wrong?"0

Zhou Qun's countless cries had awakened many people, but in the end, the only one who dared to come out was his wife, only his wife Jiang Lu. As for others, none came. Jiang Lu had been sleeping at home, unaware that Zhou Qun hadn't returned for so long.0

She was quite a heavy sleeper.0

As for the mother-in-law next door whose snoring sounds like thunder, she naturally slept even more soundly, and the two women were completely unaware.0

Jiang Lu vaguely heard some noise, and half the courtyard was roused. Everyone crowded at the doors, with Bai Fendou already having barricaded the door. He was afraid that some supernatural beings might enter. Jiang Lu, still half-asleep, woke up and called out, "Qun Ge, what's happening outside?"0

Of course, no one answered her question. She asked again, but still, no one responded.0

Jiang Lu suddenly remembered that Zhou Qun had gone out to use the toilet and hadn't returned yet. She became anxious and quickly threw on some clothes to rush out, asking, "What happened? What's going on? My Qun Ge went out to use the toilet and hasn't come back!"0

Bai Fendou: "There are ghosts outside."0

"Oh my heavens, I've lived this long and this is the first time I've encountered such a thing."0

"Don't mention it, I'm ten years older than you, and I've never seen anything like it either!"0

Everyone trembled but still managed to chat, each clinging to the door, both scared and curious.0

They wanted to see, yet feared being caught by the ghosts. However, the spot by the door was a coveted place. How could they not fight for it? They could hear better that way. But hearing this, Jiang Lu felt truly uneasy.0

Her man, Zhou Qun, was still outside.0

"Zhou Qun..."0

"Don't make a sound..."0

"What's going on? Is Zhou Qun outside?"0

This revelation shocked everyone. They knew there were ghosts, but they didn't know the specifics.0

After all, it was just ghosts!0

Everyone hid and watched!0

But then...0

"Zhou Qun, Zhou Qun!" A man's voice called from outside. Li the Cook recognized it: "That's Da Qiang next door shouting."0

"He's got guts, he must have gone out..."0

"Listen to what he's shouting. Is it Zhou Qun?"0

"Yes, he's shouting Zhou Qun. Could it be that Zhou Qun has encountered a ghost? Has something happened?"0

With this, everyone turned to look at Jiang Lu. Jiang Lu's heart skipped a beat and, without thinking, she pushed and pulled at the people around her, shouting, "Get out of the way, all of you! Move! I need to find Zhou Qun..."0

Aunt Wang: "Take a look at what's happening outside first..."0

"Get lost!" Jiang Lu didn't care if Aunt Wang was trying to help; she shouted loudly, "Get lost!"0

She shoved everyone aside, taking on a heroic stance, and with a bang, she yanked open the door, darting out quickly: "Zhou Qun..."0

Tonight, the name Zhou Qun was being shouted excessively.0

Others saw the slightly misty scene with flickering ghost lights and felt a bit scared, but Jiang Lu wasn't afraid. She ran forward quickly, not caring that her shoes fell off. She rushed to the toilet and saw Zhou Qun lying on the ground. She immediately threw herself on him, crying out in despair, "Zhou Qun! Don't leave me!"0

Jiang Lu cried out to the heavens: "Help me, someone help me! Oh heavens, please help my Zhou Qun!"0

Everyone was watching the spectacle, no one moved. Of course, it wasn't just because they were watching; they were also genuinely scared. Zhao Guihua was among the crowd, scanning for her younger son and daughter-in-law, but she didn't see them. Her eyelids twitched, and she coughed, saying, "Why don't we all go out and take a look?"0

She added, "There are so many of us; there shouldn't be any danger, right?"0

Aunt Wang nodded in agreement: "Yes, we're all neighbors. Let's show some mutual aid and go out to see."0

Although she had just been shouted at by Jiang Lu, she put the greater good first.0

If something happened to someone in their courtyard, she, as the caretaker, would be held responsible.0

Since Zhao Guihua suggested everyone go out together, she fully supported it, saying, "With so many of us, there's nothing to be afraid of. Even if something goes wrong, can it really handle all of us? Let's be brave, I'll take the lead!"0

In her heart, she silently cried, thinking this caretaker job was impossible to do.0

If she kept at it, she'd be worn out.0

Every day, big and small issues kept coming, and she was always worried and exhausted. Now, in the middle of the night during a ghost scare, she had to venture out bravely. What kind of sins had she committed in her past life to end up doing this?0

Similarly, Zhao Guihua also felt very sympathetic towards Aunt Wang. Everyone could step back, but she couldn't.0

It was just her luck to be the caretaker for these peculiar people. It was truly exhausting.0

As Aunt Wang's good friend, she supported her friend's work. She held Aunt Wang's hand and walked at the front, saying, "I'm with you, it should be fine."0

And indeed, the ghost lights almost disappeared...0

Aunt Wang let out a heavy sigh of relief.0

The two aunts led the way like warriors, followed by Old Man Bai, Bai Fendou, Li the Cook, and others. Behind them were Aunt Su, Wang Xiangxiu, Yang Lixin, and others... Children were not allowed to go out, none of them.0

But there were always those who couldn't stay put, like Jinlai. He watched the whole scene from the window and then, with a twinkle in his eye, slipped on his slippers and ran out. The adults wouldn't let them go out, so he'd go call someone.0

He dashed to the Zhou's house, banging on the window: "Aunt Zhou, your Zhou Qun is in trouble, get up quickly, or you'll miss the funeral feast!"0

What a mischievous kid.0

Aunt Zhou was sleeping soundly, dreaming of gnawing on a pig trotter. Hearing the word "feast" in the distance, she gnawed even more happily.0

"Aunt Zhou, there's a feast! Aunt Zhou!" Jinlai was truly a persistent "good" child. His cries finally woke Aunt Zhou up. She mumbled in confusion, "Which little brat wants to die? Disturbing my sleep, what a..."0

She continued her colorful cursing.0

Jinlai: "Your Zhou Qun has met a ghost, everyone's gone to see, and you're not going? You'll miss it..."0

Jinlai truly knew how to hit the nail on the head.0Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Aunt Zhou finally realized what was happening and tentatively called out, "Xiao Qun?"0

No answer.0

She called again, "Jiang Lu?"0

Still no answer.0

Her face turned pale instantly, and she howled, scrambling out of bed and rushing outside: "My son..."0

Aunt Zhou dashed out like her backside was on fire, slamming the door so hard it shook.0

Seeing Aunt Zhou run out, Jinlai smirked and gestured towards his home. Immediately, two more kids darted out—Jinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai. The three boys quickly entered the Zhou's house. Seeing half a bowl of soup on the cupboard, it seemed to have meat in it. Jinlai took a sip.0

Yinlai: "Brother, there's me too."0

Tonglai: "And me."0

The three boys divided the soup, each getting a piece of meat. There were four pieces in total, the last one being shared bite by bite, no one being left out. Tonglai smacked his lips, saying, "Brother, is this spoiled? The taste isn't great."0

"You're lucky to have something to eat, don't be picky!"0

He rolled his eyes and said, "It's definitely not spoiled, it's just that taste. Remember the stench in the courtyard these days? This stuff is supposed to taste like that."0

He added, "I heard it's very nutritious."0

"Right, right."0

Jinlai glanced around and saw a steamed bun on the cupboard. He grabbed it and ran, saying, "Let's go, or they'll come back and catch us."0

The three boys darted out and ran into Zhuang Zhixi, who was standing in the courtyard. They stared at each other.0

Zhuang Zhixi glanced at them, snorted, and walked out.0

As if going to watch the commotion.0

Yinlai quickly asked, "Should we go to his place?"0

Jinlai was cautious: "No, his wife didn't come out."0

He waved his hand, "Let's go!"0

The three boys ran home, threw off their shoes, and jumped into bed, sharing the steamed bun with a grin.0

Zhuang Zhixi smirked slightly, stepping out of the courtyard. The fog had dissipated even more, and even the ghostly flames were nowhere to be seen. Everyone was gathered around Zhou Qun, and not just from their courtyard, but from others as well.0

After all, the world was originally without paths; it was the footsteps of many that created them.0

A similar principle applies here. Although they were afraid, since others were unafraid, they too could join in the gathering. Soon, they were surrounded in layers.0

The reason for their bravery was also because the ghostly flames had vanished.0

As for the mist, it seemed to have dispersed quite a bit too.0

Everyone gathered, yet no one moved. Jiang Lu was sobbing heavily, holding Zhou Qun, while Aunt Zhou was crying even louder beside them.0

"Please, help us take him to the hospital..."0

Jiang Lu's sobs continued, but no one moved.0

Aunt Zhou became furious: "You despicable people, why aren't you helping? You're all my juniors, yet you dare to stand by and watch. You refuse to help my son, so you deserve to be cursed with bad luck for life, never earning a penny, and having no descendants!"0

This old woman was universally disliked because of her vicious nature.0

Just look, was that even a human remark?0

"How dare you spew such filth, old lady! If you're so capable, don't beg for help!"0

"Exactly, Aunt Zhou, don't think just because we call you Aunt Zhou you can act all high and mighty. What are you, anyway? You wish for us to have no descendants? Well, I won't, but you're the one who'll die childless! If you're so capable, get your son to fire me! Isn't he going to be a leader?"0

"Yeah, always bragging about becoming a leader. Vice Factory Manager Zhou, right?"0

"Your family has no children because of your viciousness. You deserve it!"0

"Exactly, exactly!"0

Initially, people had only a slight reluctance to help. If Aunt Su had been in such a situation, even if she begged pathetically, someone might have helped. But Aunt Zhou refused to act humbly; she started cursing people with the worst possible insults, which no one could tolerate.0

You're asking for it!0

No one moved, not even Aunt Wang, who also had children. Hearing such curses was deeply unpleasant; she really didn't want to see Aunt Zhou's spiteful face. Besides, their initial reluctance to help wasn't entirely due to a lack of neighborly affection.0

It was... genuinely disgusting!0

Yes, that's the word—disgusting.0

Zhou Qun, he reeked horribly, he had soiled himself out of fear!0

And it was diarrhea.0

With the warmer weather, people wore less, and the smell was overpowering. One glance and you could see the dark yellow mess all over his pants.0

Jiang Lu didn't mind, and Aunt Zhou, as his mother, didn't either. But others had no reason to endure it.0

It was simply revolting!0

People already didn't want to get close, and Aunt Zhou's verbal attack made them even less inclined to help.0

Jiang Lu was about to hate her mother-in-law to death. Useless at accomplishing anything, always causing trouble at the wrong time with the wrong words, always bringing shame to their family.0

Seeing her mother-in-law about to curse again, Jiang Lu suddenly erupted, shouting, "Shut up!"0

Madam Zhou Li instantly flew into a rage: "How dare you defy me? You little wretch, have you forgotten who your mother-in-law is? I'll beat you to death!"0

Her palm struck Jiang Lu's shoulder, and the onlookers gasped.0

Was this really the time for a fight?0

Aunt Zhou's brain must be filled with waste, how could she be so devoid of sense?0

Aunt Zhou continued to beat Jiang Lu: "It's all your fault, you little wretch. You can't even take care of your own man. Look at what you've done to Xiao Qun, you jinx. You shameless..."0

"Smack!"0

A loud slap landed on Madam Zhou Li's face. Jiang Lu glared at her, saying, "Get lost!"0

Madam Zhou Li was startled by her fierce gaze, about to say something more when another slap came. Jiang Lu didn't hold back at all, and Aunt Zhou's face visibly reddened and swelled.0

"Get out of here, far away!"0

Jiang Lu shouted loudly, and the surroundings fell into immediate silence.0

Madam Zhou Li, frightened, plopped down on the ground, staring in terror at Jiang Lu. Jiang Lu grabbed her hair and delivered several more slaps, each one resounding loudly.0

"You old hag! If you hadn't forced Zhou Qun to drink that soup, he wouldn't have had diarrhea. If he hadn't had diarrhea, he wouldn't have come out to use the toilet and wouldn't have gotten into this mess! You deserve to die! More than anyone else! Your son's in trouble, and you're sleeping like a pig at home, now you're causing more trouble, I'll make you pay for your foul mouth, for your curses, for your violence, you old hag..."0

Her slaps continued, and Madam Zhou Li was left dazed, unable to fight back.0

The onlookers took a step back, then another.0

Was Jiang Lu going mad?0

Their eyes filled with fear as they looked at her.0

Could it be... possessed by a female ghost?0

She had always been a gentle woman!0

Always obedient in the Zhou household, never daring to defy Madam Zhou Li.0

But now... oh my.0

If this continued, she'd kill the old woman.0

They looked at each other, no one daring to move.0

Aunt Wang swallowed hard, wanting to find someone to pull Jiang Lu away; she couldn't do it alone, not in this frenzy. Her first thought was Mingmei, but after looking around, she only saw Zhuang Zhixi; his wife hadn't come out.0

She hesitated, then said, "Stop fighting, Jiang Lu, you need to stop, or someone will get hurt."0

Jiang Lu turned, her eyes fierce: "You shut up too. As the head of the compound, you can't do anything, not even get my husband to the hospital. What right do you have to speak? Shut up! Get lost!"0

Aunt Wang: "What the hell!"0

She was truly furious. Helping was a favor, not an obligation. And now, not only did they not help, but they were being blamed?0

Aunt Wang fumed: "You think I owe you? When your Zhou Qun fell into the cesspit, didn't I get people to pull him out? Now you say I can't manage anything. Fine, tell me, what else should I manage? Your mother-in-law cursed us with no descendants, are we supposed to be so desperate for help that we endure the insults? Jiang Lu, you can't be without a conscience. My work in the compound is evident to everyone. Count how many troubles your family causes every year, my hair has turned white from the stress. Alright, since you say I can't manage, then I won't. Tomorrow, I'll go to the neighborhood committee, whoever wants to manage can do it! Damn it, as if I'm getting some great benefit from this, pfft!"0

She turned and stormed off.0

Others called out: "Aunt Wang, don't be angry, we know you're doing a good job."0

"Exactly, you're always busy with this and that, we all see it. Those who say you're not doing well are heartless."0

"That's right."0

"Why bother arguing with them."0

"Exactly, their family is always causing trouble, never a moment's peace..."0

Everyone chimed in, trying to calm Aunt Wang, even Zhao Guihua was comforting her. Seeing everyone's genuine concern, Aunt Wang felt a bit better. She was truly infuriated by this family, but now that everyone recognized her efforts, she felt a bit more at ease.0

"You... can someone help me..."0

A weak voice broke the lively atmosphere, silencing everyone instantly.0

They all froze.0

"I'm human, not a ghost... I'm the Drunkard."0

Mention his nickname, and everyone knew who he was.0

"I'm in the men's toilet, pull me out, my legs are too weak to stand..."0

"Uh..."0

Several men exchanged glances and headed towards the toilet. Sure enough, they found the Drunkard lying on the ground, looking weak and helpless.0

"Damn, it's really you, Drunkard, are you okay? What happened to you?"0

Using their flashlights to confirm his identity, they quickly stepped forward to help.0

The Drunkard lamented: "I... my legs are numb."0

"Why are you here?"0

"Let's go, I'll help you out."0

"When did you come over? You're lucky you didn't run into a female ghost..."0

Although it's forbidden to talk about this now, it's considered feudal superstition, but sometimes people still bring it up, after all, everyone is just an ordinary person.0

"Woohoo, woohoohoohoo, I saw a ghost, I saw a ghost..." The drunkard suddenly burst into tears, looking pitiful and utterly miserable. He said, "I'm so unlucky, I just came out to use the bathroom and ran into this."0

"Holy crap, you really encountered a ghost?"0

"What, what happened?"0

"Yeah, what exactly happened, tell us."0

They helped the drunkard out and realized there was another victim. However, compared to Zhou Qun, he was still relatively sober. Sobbing, he said, "I came out to use the toilet and then this happened... The female ghost was looking for Zhou Qun, she was specifically looking for him..."0

"You're lying!" Jiang Lu exclaimed.0

The drunkard was indignant, shouting loudly, "I'm not lying! If I'm making it up, may I run into a ghost again tomorrow!"0

"Whoa!!!"0

Such a vicious oath!0

Everyone nodded in agreement.0

"I believe you, drunkard."0

"Me too, no one would dare make such a promise."0

"Exactly!"0

"What exactly happened? Why was she looking for Zhou Qun?"0

The drunkard sobbed and wiped his tears, "The ghost said Zhou Qun was a heartless man, she wanted to find him and follow him forever... I heard it, I heard it all, it was terrifying. Zhou Qun guessed several names, but none were right, wooooo..."0

At this point, the drunkard was still crying heavily, but some quick-witted folks quickly asked, "Who did he guess?"0

The names Zhou Qun mentioned must have been related to him.0

After all, a heartless man would be connected to such matters.0

"His shifu's wife, Aunt Xinghua, and some other aunts... woooo, he mentioned many, I can't remember them all... wooooo."0

Everyone's expressions became even more subtle.0

Da Qiang, the brave but timid one, muttered quietly, "Why are they all older women!"0

The drunkard said, "There were more, he mentioned so many, I can't remember them all, but they were all aunts and sisters-in-law. Oh, he finally said, 'You can't be Wang Xiangxiu, right?'... Isn't Wang Xiangxiu the widow from the Su family...?"0

The scene fell into silence again. Everyone almost robotically turned their necks to look at Wang Xiangxiu, who was watching the commotion from a distance. Just moments ago, she was part of the audience, but now she became the main attraction.0

Wang Xiangxiu's face turned pale instantly, and she shouted, "Don't you dare slander me, I'll beat you up for spreading lies..."0

She twisted her waist and charged forward to teach the drunkard a lesson.0

The drunkard was still crying; he was so pitiful, couldn't he cry?0

"Why are you hitting me? It was Zhou Qun who said it, woooo. I was almost scared to death by the ghost, and you're still bullying me. If you have the guts, go find Zhou Qun, it was him who said it!"0

"You're lying!!!"0

A thunderous shout!0

It wasn't Wang Xiangxiu, but Jiang Lu. She was trembling all over and suddenly lunged forward, "I'll kill you! How dare you slander my husband!"0

"I swear, if I'm lying, may I see a ghost!"0

The drunkard was also quite firm. Although he was crying, he wasn't a spineless man.0

He hid behind Da Qiang and said, "Your husband said it, it was him who mentioned this aunt and that aunt, and his shifu's wife, and in three seconds, I heard it all. I swear, I dare to swear a vicious oath..."0

"Oh? Three seconds?"0

"That's not possible, is it? I didn't expect that."0

"Yeah, he may not be tall and strong, but he's still sturdy, not likely, right?"0

The drunkard shouted, "If you don't believe me, wake him up and ask him. He just fainted from fear, he's fine..."0

As someone present, he had the right to speak.0

"Uh... three seconds..."0

"I can last ten seconds... oops!" Quickly covered his mouth! Not to be mentioned!0

"Oh my."0

"Let's try pouring a basin of cold water."0

"Alright, better than sending him to the hospital."0

With that mess, they didn't want to get involved.0

Soon, someone fetched water and poured the icy water on Zhou Qun's face. Zhou Qun groaned, "......uh."0

"It's working, it's working."0

Everyone cheered.0

Zhou Qun slowly came to, and Jiang Lu rushed over immediately, "Brother Qun."0

She had forgotten that she had been beaten by Madam Zhou Li, her hair disheveled, her eyes red from crying, and snot and tears streaming down her face, looking quite unpresentable. Zhou Qun, upon waking up and seeing such a face, his pupils dilated instantly, and he screamed, "Ghost!"0

He slapped her, and Jiang Lu was instantly knocked to the ground. Already in a state of shock, she fainted right away...0

"That's Jiang Lu, you hit the wrong person..."0

Zhou Qun thought he saw a ghost again and rolled his eyes, fainting once more.0

"Holy crap!"0

"What the hell is going on?"0

"My goodness!"0

"Oh my god, I'm done with this."0

Both Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu were unconscious, and Madam Zhou Li was already beaten silly by Jiang Lu.0

Seeing the state of this family, Zhao Guihua silently shook her head and took a step back. She wouldn't get involved in this mess. This family would surely repay kindness with ingratitude. She thought this, and so did others.0

Aunt Wang couldn't stand it any longer. She sighed and said, "Everyone, think of a way to put these three on a cart and send them to the hospital."0

No one moved.0

Aunt Wang sighed again, "I know you're all disgusted, but look at the situation here, can't we just let it go until morning?"0

She pulled Aunt Zhou up and said, "Go, go home and get the money."0

Aunt Zhou quickly said, "I don't have any money." Her eyes darted around nervously.0

Aunt Wang narrowed her eyes and coldly stared at Aunt Zhou. This time, she was truly angry.0

Aunt Wang often got angry, but this time it was a deep-seated disgust for this family.0

No matter how much you help them, they never remember, always causing trouble, and you never know how much more they'll need.0

She said lightly, "Oh, okay, if you don't have money, then forget it. Everyone, let's disperse."0

She walked away first, and Aunt Zhou quickly grabbed her, "You can't leave..."0

Aunt Wang, with her strong build, gave a hard shove, sending Aunt Zhou flying. She pointed at Aunt Zhou and cursed, "Get lost! If your daughter-in-law said it to me, I'll say it to you! Just die, all of you! I'm done being the neighborhood committee leader!"0

She turned and left!0

The others looked at the Zhou family's miserable state and thought about their behavior earlier. One by one, they coldly turned away, not caring at all.0

Everyone silently and uniformly left, and Madam Zhou Li was truly scared now. She didn't think she was wrong for not wanting to pay. Since it happened in the alley, everyone should share the cost! She couldn't understand why no one was paying attention to her.0

She had forgotten that her stubbornness and nonsense were sometimes just about right and wrong. If it involved money, who would give her any? It was simply impossible.0

She always boasted about her family's good conditions, wealth, and how great they were, but now she wanted others to pay for her.0

No one in this world is a fool.0

Even if her family didn't have money, no one would pay for them, let alone when they were actually wealthy.0

Seeing everyone leave, Madam Zhou Li panicked and quickly called out, "Don't go, how can you leave like this? You can't be so heartless! I'll go home and get the money, okay? You can't just leave."0

No one stopped as she expected; instead, they all left without looking back.0

Aside from Madam Zhou Li's harsh words, another reason was the drunkard's words. Although he was crying, what he said was heard by everyone. This encounter with a ghost couldn't have been without reason.0

If Zhou Qun really could lay hands on his shifu's wife, then... it was truly chilling!0

This era was very respectful of teachers and their teachings.0

Moreover, how old was his shifu's wife, and how old was he?0

And listen to those nicknames, like "Aunt Apricot Blossom," and "Auntie So-and-So, Sister So-and-So," everyone was taken aback. From his appearance, you would never guess Zhou Qun was so promiscuous. And he specifically sought out older women.0

Aunt Su muttered as she walked, "I always thought he looked at me with such intensity..."0

"What? That little brat, if he dares to look at you, I'll kill him!" Old Man Bai was furious.0

Aunt Su quickly said, "Don't do anything rash. He didn't actually do anything to me. Just be more careful from now on..."0

"Yes, yes, yes."0

"No wonder Zhou Qun can't have children..."0

"And he has the nerve to blame Jiang Lu?"0

"Come on, Jiang Lu is also a fool. Even after all this, she still defends her husband. I've never seen anyone like that. It's utterly humiliating."0

Although there is still some preference for boys, the saying "women can hold up half the sky" is also very popular. In daily life, Jiang Lu is suppressed by the Zhou family, which everyone feels is normal. After all, being a daughter-in-law is like that.0

How many mother-in-laws get along well with their daughters-in-law? Many daughters-in-law endure for years before becoming mother-in-laws themselves, and they inevitably have to deal with their own daughters-in-law. This is something everyone has seen.0

But is it the same situation now?0

No, it's not!0

This incident is just too disgusting to think about.0

If Jiang Lu still defends Zhou Qun after this, they really look down on such spineless people.0

Everyone left one after another. Wang Xiangxiu was afraid of being implicated and pretended to cry, "How could he frame me? I'm so wronged..."0

Everyone looked at Wang Xiangxiu, but they didn't quite believe her words.0

Although Zhou Qun mentioned mostly older women, you, Wang Xiangxiu, are not a young bride either. You are also older than Zhou Qun. If there are "sisters," then you, Wang Xiangxiu, are not entirely innocent either.0

Besides, Wang Xiangxiu has had her share of rumors at the factory, even if they are not obvious. Otherwise, Old Man Bai wouldn't have directly called her a "slut" last time. Clearly, everyone has their own judgment.0

Old Man Bai likes Aunt Su, but he doesn't like Aunt Su's daughter-in-law.0

Even if his son likes her, he doesn't.0

Wang Xiangxiu tearfully defended herself. Whether others believed her or not, Bai Fendou believed her.0

He comforted Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Don't cry. This person must be framing you. Wait for me to ask the drunkard tomorrow..." He paused and corrected himself, "I'll directly confront Zhou Qun tomorrow! He's the one framing you!"0

If he had said to find the drunkard, he wouldn't have been able to continue.0

After all, he had even sworn a poisonous oath about seeing ghosts.0

Bai Fendou couldn't just go against his conscience and say it was all a lie.0

Zhou Qun, that scoundrel Zhou Qun.0

He angrily said, "This person shows no respect for teachers or traditions. He deserves to be locked up."0

Not many people agreed with this statement. Everyone was too shocked to know what to say.0

Truly, tonight's event was both terrifying and absurd.0

It's just, full of issues!0

They originally thought falling into a cesspit was the biggest event in their street for decades, but it wasn't, not at all.0

What's that saying?0

There's always a higher mountain!0

How coincidental, both incidents featured Zhou Qun's towering figure—ugh!0