The Peasant Wife: The Prime Minister's Beloved

Chapter 109 Collecting Protection Fees

The person who spoke was a little follower beside Chen Dabao, and the "Brother Bao" he mentioned was undoubtedly Chen Dabao himself who was swaggering towards Chen Rong at this moment.

Chen Dabao held his head high, his face filled with a smug look, "Boy, if you know what's best for you, just hand over the money obediently, and I might even be merciful and let you go. If you don't obey, humph, you'll have a hard time today."

Chen Rong's eyes slowly swept across the four accomplices behind Chen Dabao. They were all tall and strong with unfriendly expressions, and were obviously not easy to deal with.

If he confronted him head-on, not only would he be at a disadvantage, but Xiaoyang and Xiaochen beside him would also be innocently implicated. He could not afford such a risk.

"Everyone, the money was really just spent on candy, and now we are really empty-handed."

Chen Rong tried to use a helpless and slightly apologetic tone, hoping to convince the other party by chance.

Chen Dabao raised a disdainful smile, and his sharp eyes seemed to see through everything. He pointed directly at Xiaoyang and Xiaochen's pockets that were bulging with candies. "Don't tell me, there is air in those two little guys' pockets too? How about taking it out and verifying it?"

Xiaoyang and Xiaochen clenched their pockets tightly with their hands, their eyes filled with fear and helplessness.

Chen Dabao gave a subtle look, and the little followers behind him immediately became restless and prepared to take action.

Most of the money for buying candy was paid by Chen Rong, and Xiaoyang and Xiaochen's pocket money was actually still in their pockets.

But when these only remaining hopes were ruthlessly taken away, the two children's hearts seemed to be hit by a hammer, and they immediately burst into tears and cried loudly.

Chen Dabao was afraid that the loud crying would attract the adults nearby, so he threatened: "Shut up! Cry again and see!"

At the same time, he made a fierce gesture in an attempt to intimidate the two children.

Xiaoyang and Xiaochen seemed not to hear Chen Dabao's threat. Instead, they cried even more violently, fragile yet stubborn.

Chen Dabao and others saw that something was not right and fearing to cause unnecessary trouble, they hurriedly snatched the candies and quickly disappeared at the end of the alley with the money they had looted from the children.

Chen Rong and the other two were left standing there, looking at each other, their eyes filled with helplessness and anger.

"Brother, those bad guys took away all our money and candy. What should we do now?" Xiao Chen sobbed, grabbing Chen Rong's hand, his eyes full of helplessness.

"It's okay, let's go find my sister, she will definitely find a way to teach Chen Dabao a lesson."

Chen Rong patted Xiaochen's back gently, trying to comfort them, and pulled the two of them towards home.

At home, Chen Xi was cleaning the courtyard. She was a little surprised when she saw Xiao Chen running towards her crying and throwing himself into her arms.

"Hey, what happened? Who bullied our Xiaochen?" Chen Xi asked gently, turning his gaze to Chen Rong.

"Mom, some bad kids stole our candy and money, and threatened to beat us just because we cried." Xiaochen spoke intermittently while wiping away tears.

Chen Xi frowned and turned to Chen Rong to seek the truth: "Rong'er, what's going on?"

Chen Rong recounted in detail what happened in the afternoon, including how Chen Dabao gathered people, how he demanded candy unreasonably, and how he chose to endure in order to protect Xiaoyang and Xiaochen.

"I'm worried that they will hurt Xiaoyang and Xiaochen, so..." Chen Rong's voice trembled slightly, revealing his inner self-blame.

Although Chen Xi was furious, she tried her best to remain calm on the surface and comforted the children, "If the money is gone, it's gone. Mother will find a way. Don't be afraid."

Then, she said to Xiaochen in particular: "Xiaochen, you are the bravest. Don't cry. Mommy will cook your favorite dishes tonight."

Hearing the promise of delicious food, Xiaochen's face immediately turned from gloomy to bright, and he started playing happily again before his tears had even dried.

However, Chen Xi's heart was as heavy as a stone. She remembered that she had been bullied by Zhou Xuemei, and now this trend had spread to the next generation. How could she tolerate this?

They must never let others think that their family can be manipulated at will.

The next morning, Chen Xi watched Chen Rong, Xiao Yang and Xiao Chen set off for school with their schoolbags on their backs, while she arrived at the village entrance early to wait. This was the only way for Chen Dabao to go to school, and she wanted to give him an "unexpected" gift here.

Soon, Chen Dabao's figure gradually came into view. When he saw Chen Xi standing there abruptly, he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, his eyes flickered, and he stammered, "You, why are you here?"

"Why can't I stand here? What secrets are hidden in your heart that make you so restless?" Chen Xi's eyes were sharp, directly penetrating into the turmoil deep in Chen Dabao's heart.

"Oh, nothing happened. I'm just in a hurry to go to school. If I don't leave now, I'll be late."

Chen Dabao's words were evasive. As he spoke, he tried to bypass Chen Xi. His steps were hurried and his eyes were wandering. It was obvious that he had something to hide.

"Stop! What's the hurry? I have something important to ask you."

Chen Xi's voice was steady and resolute. Every step closer made Chen Dabao's heart tighten, and he was eventually forced into a narrow alley. The surrounding walls seemed to be pressing down with the tense atmosphere.

"Chen Xi, what exactly do you want to do? I really have to go to the academy right away. It's not good to be late."

Chen Dabao showed an impatient expression on his face, his brows were furrowed, and there was a hint of urgency in his tone.

"How can you be so rude, kid? Can't you even call me sister?" Chen Xi frowned and reprimanded her earnestly.

"My mother said that our two families should not interfere with each other, so there is no need to be polite."

Chen Dabao quickly used his mother Zhou Xuemei as a shield.

"Then, can you explain why you snatched Chen Rong's candy and pocket money?" Chen Xi's question hit the point directly. His voice was not loud, but it was enough to shake people's hearts.

"I...I didn't rob it." Chen Dabao stammered, avoiding eyes.

"You still refuse to admit it? Do you want me to help you recall and see if I can help you remember something?" Chen Xi's voice was mixed with anger and disappointment.

Seeing that his lie was about to be exposed, Chen Dabao changed his disguise and said, "Yes, I took it. What can you do to me? If you dare to touch a hair on my body, I will tell my grandma and see how she punishes you!"

His words were full of provocation, thinking that this usual threat could still make Chen Xi retreat as usual.

However, this time the situation is completely different.

Chen Xi's mouth curled up into a cold smile, his eyes were determined, "Even if the king of heaven comes, I will teach you what it means to respect the elderly and love the young, and let you know that not everyone in this world can be bullied by you."