Chapter 28: A Persuasive Visit

"Uncle Village Chief, Director Shen, is there something you need?" Wan Shun saw the two had been standing there for quite a while, saying nothing, just staring at her vehicle. What, were they planning to steal it?

The two snapped out of their daze, both a little embarrassed.

Director Shen Lanmei hesitated before speaking. "Wan Shun, where did you get this vehicle? How much did it cost?"

Wan Shun raised an eyebrow. "Director Shen, are you interested? If you want one, I can help you get it. It's not expensive—about a thousand yuan. If you're sincere, I'll count it as exactly a thousand. Don't mind that it's made from used parts; it runs no worse than a brand-new one, and what's more, it's affordable."

Shen Lanmei was secretly shocked. A thousand yuan—she couldn't bear to spend that much, especially on something used. But she really couldn't tell it was secondhand.

She smiled awkwardly. "I'm not buying, just curious."

Wan Shun wasn't disappointed. "No worries. If you need a ride to the commune or the county, just come to me. Ten yuan for a trip to the commune, fifty to the county. Sure, my price is higher than the bus, but it's worth it. My car is more comfortable, and you get one-on-one service, door-to-door pick-up and drop-off. If you have lots of luggage, I can carry it all. It's definitely a good deal."

Shen Lanmei's lips twitched—she was almost tempted.

"Thanks, I'll come to you if I ever need it."

Wan Shun slapped Shen Lanmei's shoulder in a friendly manner. "Deal, deal."

Xu Hanshan frowned and spoke up. "Enough, let's get to the point. Shun, is the origin of this vehicle legitimate? I remember motorcycles require license plates, but yours doesn't have one. And where did your family get the money to buy it?"

Wan Shun curled her lips. So this was their real purpose. Wan Yu had said the vehicle wasn't legitimate, and they'd believed it, rushing over to check.

"There was indeed no money to buy it. All our money was taken by people in the village. If we didn't starve to death, it's just tough luck and heaven's mercy. This vehicle, too, was given by a kind soul. I'm telling you, once you step out of the village, it's full of good-hearted people."

Xu Hanshan's face darkened. "Shun, speak properly. Don't just spout nonsense."

Wan Shun pouted. "If you can't face your actions, that's on you. I didn't catch you in the act, otherwise I'd have reported it to the police. Petty theft has gotten too rampant, uncle. You need to tighten management. Otherwise, people will say our village is full of thieves. Murderers seem distant, but thieves are close to everyone. Then no one will associate with us.

And I'm not exaggerating. The vehicle really was given by a kind person. Seeing us, a mother and orphan, bullied by the entire village, nearly beaten and burned to death, covered in old and new wounds with no money for medical treatment, out of pity, someone gave us a vehicle so we could survive, so we wouldn't be brought down by bad people. Such a good person.

As for the license plate, there's no rush. I'll go to the county to handle it soon, make sure everything's legal."

Xu Hanshan and Shen Lanmei's faces grew darker.

Xu Hanshan glared at her. "Enough with the barbed words and sarcasm. It takes two to quarrel; you should reflect on yourself too.

We're not here to argue with you today. We mainly came to discuss your marriage."

Wan Shun gave a fake smile. When they couldn't win, they switched to lecturing. She understood—they were angry and embarrassed.

Marriage? No wonder they'd come with the women's director.

This life, she's willing to marry, and they're here to persuade her. Last life, she was forced, and not a single person spoke up for her.

Of course, she understood; last life, she was already ruined, and her fate had nothing to do with them. This time is different—she's still clean, and if she marries now, they'd pick up some blame for irresponsibility.

"So, Captain and Director Shen, what did you want to discuss? Are you preparing a dowry for me? Or will you stand up for me if my husband's family treats me badly in the future?"

The two...

Yu Yan, hiding inside, hurried out, annoyed as she lightly slapped Wan Shun. "The captain and director care about you, Xiao Shun. Mind your words."

Yu Yan couldn't persuade Wan Shun herself, so when others came to try—even if their intentions were mixed—she wanted them to stay. Despite her unease with these two, she forced herself out.

Wan Shun grinned and dodged away from Yu Yan; the old lady really smacked, her hand was red.

She pouted and stopped with the sarcasm.

Xu Hanshan and Shen Lanmei both kept their eyes down, as if now only Yu Yan could handle Wan Shun.

But they had their own issues with Yu Yan, and prejudices too.

They stayed silent, not responding to Yu Yan.

Shen Lanmei looked at Wan Shun and said, "When you reported to the police before, I noticed you seemed to know a lot about law and regulations. So you should also know you're not yet an adult, let alone at the legal age for marriage. You're not allowed to marry right now."

Yu Yan nodded repeatedly. "That's right, Xiao Shun, we can't break the law. If you're not allowed, then don't marry, okay?"

Wan Shun winced. This old lady was always siding with outsiders.

"Yes, I know. That's why I said yesterday—no registration. We're country folk; we don't fuss much. Just invite two people for a meal and it's done.

Of course, if you want to give me a dowry or hire a band for a festive celebration, that's fine too."

"You child, what nonsense," Yu Yan raised her hand as if to smack again.

Wan Shun dodged quickly. Her wounds hadn't healed yet, and the old lady was as irritable as ever.

Shen Lanmei frowned. "Wan Shun, a girl is reborn twice—once at birth, once at marriage. The first you couldn't choose, but the second you can. Think carefully. Don't let impulse or pride ruin your life."

Wan Shun looked innocent. "I'm not impulsive—I'm very calm. This is a good marriage specially chosen by my dear sister. I can't betray her kindness.

As the saying goes, open attacks are easy to dodge, hidden ones are hard. If I refuse this time, who knows what she'll cook up next? You won't stand up for me. We're just a widow and orphan—mustn't we read the room?"

Yu Yan didn't scold Wan Shun this time, because she agreed. Yes, the villagers wouldn't support them, no matter right or wrong.

Shen Lanmei felt choked. She regretted coming; some things couldn't be helped.

"Wan Shun, I've said all I can. If you really won't listen, don't blame me for failing as women's director. You know you're underage, can't register, so your marriage won't be protected by law. If anything happens, you'll bear it alone. We can't help even if we try.

I wanted to look after you, since you're young and have no parents. But if you're set on jumping into the fire, we can't stop you. As women's director, I've fulfilled my duty. Take care of yourself from now on."

Wan Shun's lips curled in a cold smile. In the end, this visit was about saving face.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone you're neglectful. You came out late at night to brainwash me—so responsible!"

Shen Lanmei glanced at Wan Shun, said nothing, and turned to leave.

Xu Hanshan sighed. "Shun, I know you resent the villagers, but in this matter, we truly hope you'll reconsider."

Wan Shun flashed a broad smile. "Uncle, when you come to the wedding feast, remember to give the gift money to me, not the Wan family."

Xu Hanshan turned and left.