The Sweet Litte Fulang (SLF)

Chapter 162 - Cutting the relationship

The commotion outside made Lu Gu uneasy. He set the puppy down and stepped out, worried that Shen Xuanqing might take things too far. Yet, when it came to dealing with Lu Daxiang and Du Hehua, Lu Gu didn't know how to make them leave for good. His mind felt heavy and clouded, so he could only rely on Shen Xuanqing to handle it.

He heard noises coming from beyond the west courtyard wall. As he walked toward the corner, he bumped into a tall figure. Before he could see who was behind Shen Xuanqing, a broad arm blocked his way.

"Go back inside," Shen Xuanqing said firmly, his hand gently but insistently guiding Lu Gu back. "Big brother is outside handling it. You don't need to worry."

He kept his hand on Lu Gu's shoulder, ushering him back into the courtyard. As they entered, Shen Xuanqing explained, "They're hoping to guilt you into giving them money and food, saying it's your duty to be filial. I had no choice but to deal with them this way."

"If we don't drive them away today, they'll just keep coming back to cause trouble. That's one thing, but the bigger concern is if they spread rumors about us. It could ruin our family's reputation and make things difficult for us in the future."

Lu Gu let himself be led back inside, not resisting Shen Xuanqing's hold. As he listened to Shen Xuanqing's words, anger started bubbling up within him. He thought of how Du Hehua hadn't even fed him a proper meal when she raised him, and now they had the audacity to demand money and food from him? It was absurd.

His chest tightened with frustration. He wasn't good with words, couldn't argue even if he tried. He wanted to curse and scream, but nothing came out. To his dismay, tears welled up in his eyes and began falling against his will.

Seeing Lu Gu cry, Shen Xuanqing quickly pressed him into a chair and tried to comfort him. "It's okay. They didn't get what they wanted, and after today, they won't dare come back."

Lu Gu sniffled and wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand, not bothering to grab a handkerchief. Frustrated and upset, he muttered angrily, "I don't care if they come or not."

Shen Xuanqing chuckled, amused by Lu Gu's rare show of temper. "All right. If they come again, we'll just ignore them," he teased, still smiling.

Earlier, Shen Xuanqing had blocked Lu Gu's view with his tall frame, so close that Lu Gu hadn't even been able to glimpse the people behind him. Now, though, the tension drained from him, and he only hoped that Lu Daxiang and Du Hehua would leave quickly and never return.

Soon after, the noises outside faded, and Shen Yaoqing entered through the gate. Lu Gu instinctively looked up at him, wiping the last traces of tears from his face.

Shen Yaoqing slid the door bolt back into place, a satisfied grin on his face. His expression was filled with a sense of victorious relief. "They're gone," he announced loudly. "They were scared half to death after the beating. I don't think they'll dare show up again anytime soon."

Since Lu Daxiang was still Lu Gu's father, Shen Yaoqing was mindful of how things might affect their relationship. He added kindly, "Don't hold it against my second brother for hitting them, Guzi. If we hadn't stood our ground, they would've thought they could walk all over us. People like that need to be dealt with properly. If not, they'll just keep coming back."

Lu Gu's voice was soft but steady as he replied, "I understand."

Hearing that, Shen Yaoqing felt even more at ease. It was a bright, sunny day, and none of them had expected to be interrupted like this. But at least they had managed to vent their frustrations.

After taking a short break and drinking a bowl of water, they resumed their chores. Lu Gu carried a bundle of hay to feed the cattle, feeling a sense of calm return to him.