Chapter 728  : Breaking Off the Shackles

Tao Zhenfeng glanced sidelong at Chu Xujin with disdain, “Are you significant enough to offer an apology?”

Chu Xujin, ever diplomatic, asked, “What would you have us do, then?”

Tao Zhenfeng put on airs, “I want Chu Qingzhi herself to apologize to me, or I’ll still file a complaint.”

As if you’re dreaming, Chu Xujin thought, speechless. “Since you insist on filing a complaint, go ahead. I have matters to attend to. Please, as you were.” With that, he left without looking back.

Tao Zhenfeng stood dumbfounded. Was the Chu family really not afraid of him?

Just then, the secretary approached, “Young Master, the Magistrate has asked for you to return. He also advised that you should avoid provoking Chu Qingzhi. She’s more formidable than you can imagine.”

Unconvinced, Tao Zhenfeng retorted, “How formidable can a girl be?”

The steward carefully said, “With her unparalleled medical skills, she could end you silently.”

A shiver ran down Tao Zhenfeng’s spine. “Is she really that formidable?

The secretary affirmed seriously, “I’m not joking, Young Master. You ve suffered no loss; let’s leave this matter be.”

“I understand.” Tao Zhenfeng dared not disobey. Everything he had was thanks to the Magistrate. Without his support, he would have nothing.

The secretary bowed, “Please return home, Young Master.”

After watching Tao Zhenfeng leave the county office, the secretary returned to report to the Magistrate.

At the Yu residence.

Father Yu called Yu Zihui to his study, his expression serious. “I’m entrusting

you with a shop. If you manage it well, it will be yours.”

This must be his stepmother’s idea, Yu Zihui thought, expecting him to fail and prove his ineptitude in business, disappointing his father further.

But whether to accept the challenge was up to him. He had already found fulfilling work. Wiry should he submit to further humiliation?

“Father, business isn’t for me. Find someone else.”

Father Yu slammed his hand on the desk, the atmosphere tensing instantly.

“Can’t you be more ambitious? Look at your younger brothers. Even the youngest is already assisting me!”

Yu Zihui played the role of the prodigal son to perfection. “If they’re capable, let them handle it. I’m not suited for it; why make me waste resources?”

Father Yu was furious. “Bastard!”

Yu Zihui replied nonchalantly, “Father, don’t scold me. It’s bad for your health.

I know my limits. I’m not capable.”

When Father Yu saw Yu Zihui like this, he was angry and regretful. He regretted not teaching his son well. “Are you going to be like this for the rest of your life?”

Yu Zihui asked, “What else can I do?”

Father Yu scolded angrily, “Yu Zihui, if you don’t go to the shop today, get out of the house and don’t come back again.”

Seriously? Yu Zihui was overjoyed. He had always felt like an outsider in this home and had long wished to leave. “Okay, whatever.”

Father Yu grabbed the teacup and smashed it in front of Yu Zihui’s feet. You re

a disgrace! You have no ambition, a complete disappointment.”

This reminded Yu Zihui of when he was young. Every time his father came home, he would carry his two younger brothers on his lap and take out snacks and toys. He could only stand at the side and watch. He also wanted his father to carry him and also wanted snacks and toys, but what awaited him was to be pushed away. That disappointment was even more unforgettable.

“Father, give me a thousand taels of silver. I’ll start a small business. Once I make money, I’ll repay you.”

Father Yu blurted out, “You still want to do business on your own? No matter how much money I give you, it’s all for nothing.”

Yu Zihui’s heart was already as calm as still water. He said indifferently, “That’s why I said that Father doesn’t believe me at all. You should let your two youngest sons manage the shop. There’s no need to pretend!”

Father Yu was enraged and roared, “Get lost. Get out of the house and don’t come back again.”

Yu Zihui turned around and left without taking anything.

Stepping out, he stretched lazily and took several deep breaths, reveling in the feeling of liberation. He was finally free from the shackles that bound him.

He walked down the street without looking back.

At the Chu Family Paper Mill.

Yu Zihui looked for Xiao Zongchao. “Brother, can I discuss something with you?”

Xiao Zongchao did not have many friends, so he was very happy to hear the other party call him brother. “Tell me, as long as I can help you, I will definitely help you.”

“You’re a good friend.” Yu Zihui placed his arm on Xiao Zongchao’s shoulder. “I was chased out by my father. I have nowhere to go and I’m penniless. Can I crash with you for a while?”

Xiao Zongchao began to sympathize. “Sure, stay as long as you need, as long as you don’t mind.”

Yu Zihui was touched, “You’re a true friend.”

“Let’s go to work together. We’ll be fine after we get paid at the end of the month.”

“Yeah.”

In the Chu Village.

During class, Zeng Yiping raised his hand and said, “Sister Lihua, I’m missing two pieces of paper.”

When Ge Lihua heard this, he walked towards Zeng Yiping. “Are you sure you didn’t count wrongly?”

Zeng Yiping said affirmatively, “I remember very clearly. I should have six, but there are only four left now. I counted them before I went home yesterday. There must be six.”

Ge Lihua counted them personally. There were indeed only four. “Everyone, count your own. See if there are any missing pieces of paper?”

The children began to count…

“Sister Lihua, I’m missing one.”

“I’m missing two.”

“I’m missing one.”

With so many people missing paper, it seemed like someone had deliberately stolen it. Ge Lihua looked around and said, “Whoever took the papers, just return them. I won’t say much.”

No one moved, all appearing innocent.

The papers had disappeared that morning, and since the children hadn’t left, the papers should still be in the classroom. Ge Lihua said, “Everyone, please step outside. I’ll knowwho tookthe papers in a moment.”

These words made the two children nervous. Their heads were sweating and they were at a loss. Once they were discovered, they could only be chased away. What should they do?

As the children left the classroom one by one, the two became even more anxious.

Having no choice, they approached Ge Lihua, kneeling, “Sister Lihua, we took the papers, but we had no choice. Please don’t send us away.”

Ge Lihua looked at the two children who had been doing well in their studies and were attentive in class. It was a pity they resorted to stealing, “Why did you take others’ papers?”

One child hesitated before explaining, “There’s a scholar in our village who needs a lot of paper for writing. We thought of selling the stolen papers to

him.”