Chapter Seventy-One: Whose Side Are You Really On?

In a modest residential house in Qingshui City, more than a dozen men and women were noisily debating, yet after a long time, no resolution was reached. Eventually, they all turned their complaints toward Luo Song and his wife, seated at the head of the room.

“Luo Song! What on earth is going on here? We trusted you with everything, so where’s the money now?”

“Exactly! Who was it that said everything could be handled? How long has it been? We haven’t seen a single cent!”

“Are you really up to this? It’s taking this long to deal with two little brats?”

Their impatience was understandable. Anyone would be anxious upon learning that their debtor had passed away, leaving only two young children at home. How could mere adolescents possibly repay such a huge debt? If not for the valuable house those siblings still owned, things would have already spiraled out of control.

“All right, let’s not panic. Since I gave my word, I’ll make sure everyone gets their money back,” Luo Song said in a cold, heavy voice. At first, he had reassured everyone, boldly taking charge of the debt collection, hoping to profit himself. But he hadn’t expected those two siblings to be so wary, steadfastly refusing to sell the house.

If he failed to settle this, the others would lose all faith in him. If someone else stepped in, his plan to keep the house for himself would be ruined. After all, if word got out, wouldn't everyone want a share?

“So how much longer do we have to wait? I don’t want to wait anymore—my family needs the money now.” A middle-aged woman, seeing Luo Song’s unhurried demeanor, couldn’t take it anymore. Everyone had been anxious for half a year, and Luo Song hadn’t recovered a penny. Why should they listen to him any longer?

“Since everyone’s here, let’s go to those siblings’ house today and see if they’re going to pay or not!”

The others agreed. If Luo Song couldn't handle it, they would go together and see for themselves whether he’d even been doing anything.

“Yes, that's what we should do.”

“Luo Song, you didn’t already get your share back, did you?”

“Enough! Listen to me!” Luo Song quickly tried to salvage the situation. In truth, he didn’t want to drag things out either. If he had found an opening, he would have acted by now. Unfortunately…

“Dad, that brat Luo Chen doesn’t have any connections to rely on. I’ve tailed him for days. All he does is eat, drink, and flirt with pretty girls. He doesn’t look worried about debt at all. You’re just too soft!” Luo Shen, his son, was deeply dissatisfied. He’d been following Luo Chen for over ten days, got beaten up twice, and had to watch that scoundrel flaunt his girlfriends and spend money freely—even splurging at Zhonghua Pavilion.

Zhonghua Pavilion! Their own monthly salary couldn’t even cover a few dishes there, yet those siblings went once a week?

Was this how someone drowning in debt should behave? If not for certain scruples, they would have already dragged the siblings out and given them a beating.

“What? Luo Song, you’re just letting those two run wild?”

“Don’t tell me you’re siding with them just because you’re their guardian?”

“Plenty of money for wining and dining, but none to pay their debts?”

Suddenly realizing their debtors lived better than themselves, the creditors were instantly enraged. Was it easy for them to earn their money? Perhaps Luo Song had conspired with his niece and nephew to cheat them all—after all, it was this scoundrel who persuaded them to invest in the first place.

“Calm down—listen to me!” Luo Song was tempted to slap his two sons for making things worse. Instead of quietly shadowing Luo Chen, they’d gotten into fights, and now, at the worst possible moment, blurted out everything they shouldn't have, ruining his plans.

“Think about it: how do two kids with no income have money to squander? Compare them to the siblings we know, always living in fear and hardship—doesn’t anyone find this strange? If there weren’t any connections or backers, would they really be this unconcerned?”

“Most importantly, the payment deadline hasn’t even arrived yet. We can’t force them before that. Since they've promised to pay, shouldn’t we at least give them a chance?”

Luo Song truly worried about his sons’ intelligence. Where would the siblings get money to spend so freely, unless someone was helping them? Luo Chen didn’t have the heart to flirt and play around. After months of observation, Luo Song understood the boy well. For someone who’d been worried about the debt to suddenly change so drastically—he had no choice but to investigate.

But after more than ten days, Luo Song had uncovered nothing. That was why he’d delayed so long. Otherwise, he would have already swooped in and stripped the boy clean.

“Maybe you’re the one giving them money! Who’s to say you’re not in on this, Luo Song? Maybe you’re supporting those two with our money!”

Though Luo Song’s argument made sense, who could trust just his word? Before he could answer, a middle-aged man interjected, his tone dripping with suspicion.

Nonsense! Was Luo Song the type to be so selfless?

These people really had wild imaginations!

Luo Song’s face darkened with anger, but he suppressed the urge to curse. That would be like scolding himself.

“Each of your families only lent a few thousand or tens of thousands, but we put up three hundred thousand! Would I be stupid enough to shield Luo Chen?”

“Or maybe you’ve made some secret deal… Who’s to say?”

“We’re going together!”

No one was comfortable leaving things to Luo Song alone. If they were going, then everyone would go—today!

Seeing these fools even start to suspect him, Luo Song nearly fainted with rage. Did they think debt collection was easy? He’d already risked his reputation to threaten his niece and nephew, and now his name was ruined, yet people still doubted his sincerity.

Was there no justice left in the world?

(Thanks to Sishino for the 1,000 Qidian coins, to Young Master Ru Yu for the 1,000 Qidian coins, to Gourmet Yuyuko for 500 Qidian coins, and to Demonic Passerby, Simple Years, Emperor of Calligraphy, Lonely Without You, Beacon of Gays, and Orthopedics of Germany for 100 Qidian coins each, as well as those who donated 10 Qidian coins. Flowers for you all. Lastly, thanks to all the readers for your support. There will be extra chapters for the Mid-Autumn Festival!)