Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 115

Chapter 115

 

“Dunghead!” An elderly man chased after the three, grabbing Xiaochun by the arm.

 

“Let me go!”

 

The old man looked him up and down, his eyes lighting up. “From a distance, I thought it looked like you, and I was right! Dunghead, don’t you recognize me? I’m your father!”

 

Standing beside him, Lu Ming and Lu Qing stared at Zhao Fengchun in shock. They had no idea he had been adopted by the boss and had always assumed he, like Xiaonian and Xiaodou, was the boss’s biological brother.

 

“Second Boss, who is this man?”

 

Zhao Fengchun’s face turned cold as he flung off the man’s grip. “You’ve got the wrong person. I’m not some Dunghead. Let go of me right now!”

 

Wu Sifang said, “How could I have the wrong person? That’s impossible! Are you still holding a grudge against me for selling you back then?”

 

Zhao Fengchun was thoroughly disgusted, but the other man’s grip was firm, and he couldn’t break free despite struggling several times. In a fit of anger, he grabbed a persimmon from Lu Ming’s basket and hurled it at the man.

 

“Bah! Who are you, shamelessly claiming someone else’s child? Can’t have your own, so you call anyone you see your son?”

 

Wu Sifang let go after being hit, and Zhao Fengchun took the opportunity to rush away.

 

Lu Ming and Lu Qing assumed the man had genuinely mistaken someone else for his child, so they hurried to catch up with the Second Boss and walked back toward the tavern. Wu Sifang followed from a distance, only stopping when he saw his “son” enter the tavern. Angrily, he muttered under his breath, “Little bastard! You’ve made it big now and don’t even recognize your own father.”

 

When Zhao Fengchun returned to the tavern, he was trembling all over. He hadn’t expected to encounter that man again.

 

How could someone be so shameless? Selling their own child and then having the nerve to call themselves his father?

 

Thinking of the suffering he had endured, tears streamed uncontrollably down his face, and he clenched his teeth in fury.

 

If it hadn’t been for Big Brother and Sister-in-law, his grave grass would probably be as tall as a person’s height by now. He wasn’t going back. He was not some Dunghead. He was the second son of the Zhao family. He was Zhao Fengchun!

 

Ma Kuan came out to hang clothes for his younger sister and was startled by the sight of Zhao Fengchun. “Second Boss, what’s wrong?”

 

Zhao Fengchun hastily wiped his face, feigning indifference as he picked up a bucket to fetch water for washing vegetables.

 

Ma Kuan hesitated before following him. “Did something happen? Do you need any help?”

 

Ever since being taken in by Manager Lu and working odd jobs at the tavern while looking after his sister, Ma Kuan had been diligent. Though he wasn’t in the best health and couldn’t do much heavy work, he was sharp and thoughtful. During this time, he had helped resolve several issues at the tavern.

 

“It’s nothing,” Zhao Fengchun said, unwilling to talk about his past.

 

Seeing that Zhao Fengchun didn’t want to discuss it, Ma Kuan didn’t press further. He sorted the newly purchased vegetables before heading inside to check on his little sister.

 

The little girl, now over six months old, was adorable with her chubby cheeks. To prevent her from crawling off and falling, Ma Kuan had fashioned a railing from an old mat around the edge of the kang. This way, she could safely be left alone in the room.

 

Seeing her brother return, the little girl crawled to the railing and babbled.

 

Ma Kuan picked up a bowl and gave her a sip of water. “Be good, Niuniu. Brother has some work to do. You play by yourself for now.” He then went to the kitchen, where Lu Qing and Lu Ming were slicing meat. The two greeted him.

 

“Hey, Brother Ma, did something happen today? Second Boss seems upset.”

 

Lu Ming said, “We were just talking about it earlier. Someone was randomly claiming kinship. This morning, when we went to the west market to buy vegetables, an old man grabbed Second Boss and called him Dunghead, claiming to be his father. If he really were his father, would the boss not recognize him?”

 

“What did Second Boss say?”

 

“He scolded the man harshly, but the man wouldn’t let go until Second Boss hit him with a persimmon. Oh, by the way, do you want a persimmon? The ones Second Boss bought are really sweet.”

 

Ma Kuan shook his head, his mind already piecing together the story.

 

The tavern bosses didn’t sound like locals, but Second Boss’s accent was from Pingzhou. He had been curious before, but now, thinking it over, the old man might really be Second Boss’s biological father.

 

For Second Boss to be so averse to recognizing his father, he must have endured significant hardship in the past, likely being sold to the capital. Ma Kuan decided to think of a way to help him.

 

Ma Kuan was indeed clever, piecing together much of the story with a quick turn of thought.

 

In recent days, Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan were busy with the new house and rarely stayed at the tavern. Lu Miao and Xiaonian managed the front of the tavern, while Xiaochun, Lu Ming, and Lu Qing took charge of the kitchen.

 

Fearing that man might come back and cause trouble, Ma Kuan stayed vigilant over the next few days, keeping an eye out for any suspicious individuals nearby.

 

Meanwhile, Wu Sifang returned home from the capital, bursting with excitement as he entered the house. “Old woman, you’ll never guess who I saw today!”

 

“Who?” Yang Shi was sitting on the kang, mending old clothes. Her hair was streaked with gray, and her long face bore a trace of meanness.

 

“Dunghead!”

 

“Oh, so you saw him. Whatever.” Deep down, she didn’t have much affection for this son. He had almost killed her during childbirth, so naturally, she felt little attachment.

 

“He’s doing really well now! Today, when I went to the West Market to sell chickens, I saw him with two attendants buying so many things! You wouldn’t believe the fine clothes he was wearing—all made of high-quality fabric. He looked incredibly dignified!”

 

Yang’s wife put down the needle and thread in her hands. “Really?!”

 

“Of course! How could I make this up? I followed him all the way to a large restaurant and only left after watching him go inside.”

 

“What was he doing at the restaurant?”

 

Old Man Wu said, “I heard those two people call him the Second Proprietor. Maybe that broker back then sold him to a rich family, and now he’s become an adopted son. We should definitely take advantage of this!”

 

Yang snorted. “I doubt that little bastard would acknowledge us.”

 

This remark hit a nerve with Wu Sifang. Remembering how he was humiliated today by the persimmon thrown at him, he fumed, “That little brat dares not acknowledge me? I’m his father! If he doesn’t, I’ll go to the restaurant door every day and make a scene. We’ll see if he can still do business!”

 

“Don’t just make a fuss. Cry a little when necessary. Say the family had no choice back then because we couldn’t even afford to eat. No matter what, we gave him life. As long as we can get money, it’s all good. Autumn harvest is coming up; with some silver, we can buy an ox to make things easier for Yongcai and Yongli.”

 

Wu Sifang nodded excitedly. “We must get the silver. I’ll figure out his relationship with that restaurant. If he really is their adopted son, we can also get Yongcai and Yongli in there. It’ll be better than farming!”

 

“That would be great, but what if they don’t agree…”

 

“Doesn’t matter. Like I said, if they don’t agree, we’ll cause trouble until they do! Make it impossible for them to run their business!”

 

These two foolish peasants still thought that the city was like their village, where tantrums and pestering could get them whatever they wanted.

 

The next day, Wu Sifang arrived at the restaurant early, standing at the door and peering inside.

 

This place was unlike anything he had ever seen—just the grand entrance made his legs go weak. He couldn’t even imagine what the interior looked like.

 

He had just lifted his leg to step in when a handsome young man walked out, and the two bumped into each other.

 

“Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going. Are you alright, sir?”

 

Wu Sifang brushed off the dust on his clothes and looked up. Seeing the young man’s good looks and graceful demeanor, he immediately guessed he was a nobleman. Hastily, he waved his hand. “No, no, it’s fine. I’m fine.” In a place like this, he dared not offend anyone.

 

The young man was about to leave when Wu Sifang called out, “Young master, may I ask you something? Do you know the owners of this establishment?”

 

“I do.”

 

“Then… do you know the Second Proprietor?”

 

Ma Kuan’s eyebrows twitched slightly. “Yes, I do.”

 

“That’s wonderful! Do you know his relationship with the restaurant owners?”

 

“I do. Why do you ask?”

 

“Well, to tell you the truth, he’s my son. Back then… Back then, the family was too poor to even eat, so we had no choice but to sell him. My wife and I have missed him terribly. We just want to see him again.”

 

Wu Sifang tried hard to squeeze out some tears, but with no real feelings for the child, he couldn’t manage even a single drop.

 

Ma Kuan sneered internally. Judging by the man’s clean but coarse clothes, his hands with few calluses, and his robust frame, it was unlikely he had been too poor to eat. And despite claiming to miss his son, he hadn’t brought any gifts, instead looking like someone hoping to freeload off the Second Proprietor’s success.

 

Clearing his throat, Ma Kuan said, “It’s hot outside. Why don’t you come in for some tea and tell me more?”

 

Wu Sifang, delighted, quickly followed Ma Kuan into the Lu family’s restaurant. Once inside, he was stunned by the luxurious decor. Such a grand building, with so many tables, chairs, and even beautifully crafted wooden screens—if it were his, how wonderful that would be!

 

Gawking with his mouth open, Wu Sifang tripped and nearly fell.

 

At this hour, it wasn’t yet mealtime. In the main hall, Lu Miao and Xiao Nian were sewing by the side. Hearing the commotion, they looked up in confusion.

 

Ma Kuan signaled to them with his eyes and deliberately led Wu Sifang to a table near the counter, where he had a waiter bring a bowl of sour plum soup.

 

“You said you’re the Second Proprietor’s father. But without evidence, that’s a bold claim.”

 

Wu Sifang jumped up excitedly. “How could I not be? Call him out, and you’ll see when we talk face to face!”

 

Lu Miao and Xiao Nian exchanged startled glances before Xiao Nian hurriedly ran to the back courtyard.

 

“Second Brother, Second Brother!”

 

Zhao Fengchun put down the knife in his hand. “What is it?”

 

“There’s an old man in the main hall claiming to be your father.”

 

Zhao Fengchun’s face instantly turned pale. He grabbed the knife and made to rush out.

 

Xiao Nian was startled. “Don’t rush. Brother Kuan is out front trying to get more information. Come with me and listen from behind the screen.”

 

Zhao Fengchun reluctantly put down the knife and followed Xiao Nian to the screen near the main hall, where they could hear the conversation.

 

“If you sold him, why are you looking for him now?”

 

“I… I miss him. Can’t a father visit his son?”

 

“Sure, but wouldn’t the restaurant owners be unhappy if they found out? What if they take it out on the Second Proprietor…”

 

Wu Sifang waved dismissively. “What can they do? The family is starving to death. Now that he’s doing well, shouldn’t he help us out?”

 

Hearing this, Zhao Fengchun’s eyes turned red with anger, and he nearly charged out again. Back then, when he was home, he lived worse than livestock. Now, they expected him to support them? Ridiculous!

 

Xiao Nian patted his arm to calm him. “Don’t rush. Let’s hear more.”

 

“How much money are you asking for?”

 

“Give me… fifty taels of silver for now. If it’s not enough, I’ll come back for more.”

 

Ma Kuan almost laughed at Wu Sifang’s audacity. How shameless to ask for money, and not just once! If Zhao Fengchun gave in, they’d probably suck him dry.

 

“Alright, let me go ask him.” Ma Kuan got up and walked to the back, Zhao Fengchun and Xiao Nian following closely.

 

“Ma Kuan, why did you bring him inside?”

 

“Second Proprietor, please calm down.” Ma Kuan, frail, nearly fell when Zhao Fengchun grabbed him.

 

“If you confront him directly, he’ll definitely make a scene. It’s almost time for customers to arrive. If this spreads, it won’t be good.”

 

Zhao Fengchun let go of him and wiped his face. “What should we do, then?”

 

“Do you want to acknowledge him?”

 

“I want to kill him!”

 

It was the first time Ma Kuan had seen Zhao Fengchun so enraged. He quickly reassured him, “Don’t worry. If you don’t want to acknowledge him, I have a way to ensure he doesn’t dare come back.”

 

“What way?”

 

“Go out and pretend to recognize him, but don’t give him any money. Say all the money is kept at the other estate.”

 

“The other estate?”

 

“The liquor distillery in the West Market. Take him there and have Lu Shiliu detain him.”

 

“And then?”

 

Ma Kuan’s face showed a gentle smile. “You don’t need to worry about what happens next. I’ll make sure he doesn’t dare to come looking for you again.”

 

The two were startled by this smile, shivering involuntarily. Xiao Chun came back to his senses and quickly walked toward the front hall, suppressing his disgust as he faced this man once more.

 

“Fengchun! Fengchun, you’re willing to see your father now, aren’t you? You still remember your father, right?”

 

Xiao Chun, being young, couldn’t muster a fake smile. “What are you here for? Back then, you sold me to the traffickers. Do you know how much suffering I endured? They broke my leg!”

 

Wu Sifang awkwardly turned his face away. “That must be because you didn’t listen to them. Why didn’t they hit anyone else? Don’t blame me. If I hadn’t sold you, would you have ended up in such a good family?”

 

Hearing these words from his mouth, the last bit of hope in Xiao Chun’s heart was extinguished. “Then I should thank you?”

 

“No need to thank me. Just give me more silver.”

 

“The silver isn’t with me. If you want it, come with me to the other estate to get it.”

 

Hearing this, Wu Sifang immediately stood up. “Let’s go, let’s go! Quickly!”

 

On the way to the West Market, Zhao Fengchun repeatedly recalled the suffering he had endured over the years.

 

There was no need to mention what happened in the village. During the two months after being sold to the traffickers, he suffered inhuman abuse.

 

Aunt Lan, in order to break their spirits and turn them into obedient slaves, gave them only one meal a day. If they disobeyed even slightly, they were mercilessly beaten.

 

Later, he found an opportunity to escape but didn’t realize it was a trap set by the traffickers to train disobedient slaves. The moment he ran out, he was caught and brought back, beaten to a pulp.

 

On his second escape attempt, his leg was shattered.

 

Lying in a pitch-black room with his injured leg, hearing the rustling of rats around him, he thought that if he died, he would turn into a vengeful ghost and kill everyone who had harmed him, including his so-called parents!

 

But later, his elder brother and sister-in-law opened that door and saved him. He was given a name and became the second brother of the Zhao family. He learned how to cook from his elder brother and finally lived like a human being.

 

He clenched his teeth so hard that he tasted blood. No one could take away the peaceful life he had now—not even his biological father!

 

At the entrance of the distillery, Xiao Chun said, “Aren’t you coming in to take a look?”

 

Wu Sifang hesitated, instinctively sensing danger. He clasped his hands together. “No need. Just bring out the silver.”

 

Xiao Chun sneered and walked inside. Shortly after, seven or eight burly men rushed out, tied Wu Sifang up, gagged him, and dragged him inside.

 

Lu Shiliu crossed his arms and asked, “What do we do with this man?”

 

Ma Kuan maintained his usual faint smile. “Brother Shiliu, please lock him up in the warehouse. Give him one steamed bun a day and make sure he doesn’t die.”

 

—

 

Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan only learned about this incident the next day through Xiao Nian.

 

“Brother Kuan is amazing! He saw through that old man’s intention to extort money and tricked him into the distillery, where he locked him up!”

 

Lu Yao was taken aback. “This was Ma Kuan’s idea?”

 

Xiao Chun nodded. “Yes. Without Brother Kuan, I would have had no choice but to have a big argument with him.”

 

Lu Yao couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. He truly hadn’t misjudged Ma Kuan—this young man was extraordinarily capable!

 

If Lu Shiliu was a managerial talent, then Ma Kuan was an all-rounder, demonstrating brilliance in subtle details and decisive action in critical moments.

 

Zhao Beichuan asked, “Xiao Chun, what are you planning to do with that man?” He deliberately avoided calling him “father,” as their actions had already severed any semblance of familial ties.

 

“For now, I’ll keep him locked up until he’s too scared to cause any more trouble.”

 

Zhao Beichuan saw the gloom on his face and patted his head. “Don’t worry. You now bear the Zhao name. You are my younger brother, and no one can take you away.”

 

Xiao Chun’s eyes turned red, and he nodded.

 

“In a few days, we’ll be moving. When the time comes, take a break at the new place. Your elder brother and I can handle things at the restaurant. You don’t need to worry.”

 

“Alright.”

 

Seeing that it was getting late, Lu Yao urged them to rest and then knocked on Ma Kuan’s door.

 

“Still awake?”

 

“Yes.” Ma Kuan quickly opened the door. He was holding his little sister in his arms and grinning. “Niu Niu, greet the boss.”

 

The little girl raised her hand and made a polite gesture toward Lu Yao.

 

“Oh my, Niu Niu knows how to greet people now!” Lu Yao reached out to take the child. She wasn’t shy and stared curiously at him with her big, grape-like black eyes.

 

Fearing his sister might wet herself on the boss, Ma Kuan quickly took her back after a while and placed her on the kang. “What brings you here, boss?”

 

“How did you guess that Xiao Chun’s father came to extort money?”

 

Ma Kuan recounted how he had seen Xiao Chun crying, learned the details from Lu Ming, and pieced together the situation based on Wu Sifang’s greedy nature. That’s how he came up with the plan on the spot.

 

After hearing this, Lu Yao remained silent, which made Ma Kuan nervous. “Did I do something wrong? Please forgive me, boss.”

 

Lu Yao stopped him from kneeling. “You handled this matter very well.”

 

Ma Kuan scratched his head sheepishly and said, “It was just a small favor. I was worried that if he made a scene at the restaurant, it would affect our business.”

 

“In the future, when I’m not around, help keep an eye on things at the restaurant. Your monthly wage will be five taels of silver. Don’t rush to refuse. Take care of your health first, and you can repay me later.”

 

“Understood!”