Wang Changhe had mixed feelings toward this voice: he both hated and feared it, because he had been bested by its owner several times before.

Sure enough, when Wang Changhe looked up, he saw Ling Zhenfei staring at him with a wicked grin. He instantly wished he could find a hole to hide in.

His good deed was once again ruined by Ling Zhenfei. Although Wang Changhe was both angry and resentful, he had to hide it. If Ling Zhenfei spread this scandal around, he'd be in real trouble!

"I... oh, I... I'm... going swimming!"

Wang Changhe stammered, holding his hands over his lower body. He looked as pitiful as an overturned old turtle, face flushed with frustration, unable to get back on his feet.

"Ha, so the village chief really is going swimming?"

Ling Zhenfei found Wang Changhe's embarrassment amusing. Wanting to deal with Wang Changhe, he pointed at the nearby river, saying, "Chief, if you're going swimming, why are you in the cornfield? The river's over there!"

"Oh, right, the river's over there... I forgot! I'll... I'll go swim now..."

Wang Changhe's face turned even redder. Without thinking much, he quickly ran to the riverside and jumped in.

Despite his name, Wang Changhe was not a skilled swimmer at all.

He had jumped in to escape from embarrassment, but once he was in the water, he realized he couldn't swim. He floundered like a fish out of water.

"Help... Help!"

At first, Wang Changhe managed to flail a bit, but soon his legs cramped up, and he started splashing wildly, calling for help.

Ling Zhenfei didn't expect that Wang Changhe couldn't swim, but he knew it was the irrigation season; the water was shallow enough that it wouldn't drown him.

Ling Zhenfei stood by the shore, waiting until Wang Changhe had ingested a good amount of muddy water before leisurely extending a branch to pull him out.

By the time Wang Changhe was pulled ashore, he had drunk a bellyful of water. Looking as miserable as a beaten dog, he lay on the ground spitting out water, slowly recovering.

He knew Ling Zhenfei did this on purpose, but he was caught red-handed. Even though he was seething, there was nothing he could do.

"Ha, Chief, you had quite an exciting swim! But next time, don't play like this. Luckily, I was here today; otherwise, it could've been really bad!"

Seeing Wang Changhe's sorry state, Ling Zhenfei felt secretly amused yet still teased him.

"I... I won't swim again! Never again!"

Wang Changhe had spit out some water, but his belly was still full of it, making him feel miserable.

"Ha, Chief, are you sure you're okay?" Ling Zhenfei withheld his laughter, saying, "You seem uncomfortable. Need some help?"

"No! No need! I'm fine, really!"

As Ling Zhenfei reached out, Wang Changhe jumped up as if spring-loaded, terrified.

He knew Ling Zhenfei could be devious. There was no way he'd let him treat him. What if Ling Zhenfei created more problems? Who could he turn to then?

"Really? Need no help? Chief, you don't look well. Let me check on you!"

Seeing Wang Changhe ready to run, Ling Zhenfei fake-sincerely followed him.

"No, really, I'm fine! I have things to do, gotta go!"

Seeing Ling Zhenfei approaching, Wang Changhe was terrified, quickly throwing on his clothes and running away.

"Hahaha..."

Watching Wang Changhe flee like a beaten dog, Ling Zhenfei finally felt avenged, laughing heartily.

Wang Changhe clearly heard Ling Zhenfei's laughter. Though he trembled with rage, he was helpless. Inwardly, he vowed, This disgrace won't be forgotten, kid. One day, when you fall into my hands, I'll settle all our scores!

...

Although he had humiliated Wang Changhe, Ling Zhenfei didn't think this matter was over.

Huang Changfa was an honest man and an employee of his. If Ling Zhenfei knew something harmful and didn't tell him, it wouldn't be right.

Thinking about it, Ling Zhenfei didn't hesitate but headed to Huang Changfa's home.

With the farm's expansion, Huang Changfa had been constantly busy and had accidentally hurt his leg. Ling Zhenfei gave him a few days off. Huang Changfa was resting at home.

At Huang Changfa's home, he saw him lying on a rocking chair in the yard, leisurely listening to Huangmei opera.

"Uncle Changfa!" Ling Zhenfei called out from a distance before entering.

"Huh? Zhenfei, you're here! Come, sit!" Seeing that it was Ling Zhenfei, Huang Changfa was surprised, getting up to greet him and pulling him to a nearby chair.

"Haha, I was just passing by and thought I'd check on you." Ling Zhenfei smiled, glancing at Huang Changfa's leg. "Uncle Changfa, how's your leg?"

"Much better. I'm planning to return to the farm in a few days. I've been resting so long I almost feel lazy!" Huang Changfa laughed, going inside to fetch water for Ling Zhenfei.

"Where's Auntie, not home?" Seeing the quiet yard, Ling Zhenfei guessed that Liu Lihua hadn't returned and asked knowingly.

"Yeah, she's out harvesting corn. She'll be back soon."

Huang Changfa couldn't imagine that his wife collecting corn had indirectly given him a metaphorical green hat, laughing as he said, "Zhenfei, don't leave. Stay for dinner. I'll have your aunt make some extra dishes so we can drink together."

Hearing this, Ling Zhenfei felt a pang of empathy.

Men have their pride, especially honest men like Huang Changfa. If he told him the truth outright, would he react violently?

And if so, things would be awkward between them afterward.

"Well... okay!" Ling Zhenfei realized he couldn't just break the news to Huang Changfa. It had to be done subtly.

As he pondered how to bring up the matter, he saw Liu Lihua, dressed up, pushing the gate open and coming in.

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