A small pebble accurately hit Da Niu's mother's hand. She cried out in pain and let go, the shovel clattering to the ground, saving Li Dongmei.
Everyone was baffled as to how the pebble hit Da Niu's mother's hand. Only Liu Yifeng knew. He glanced at Huang Yao, who was acting as if nothing had happened, impressed by his capabilities. He was indeed someone who had served in the military.
If not for Huang Yao, Li Dongmei would have been in danger. Although her trouble wasn't directly his fault, Li Dongmei had gotten into conflict with them because of him. If something serious had happened, her in-laws would never have let him off the hook.
He shuddered to think what gossip would arise between him and Li Dongmei if she had been hurt. Therefore, Huang Yao had been a tremendous help.
However, it wasn't the time to express his gratitude. Li Dongmei was still biting Da Niu relentlessly. Seeing the shovel drop, Da Niu's mother didn't pick it up. Instead, she grabbed Li Dongmei's hair, trying to make her let go.
"You wretched woman, let go of my son this instant! How dare you bite my boy? I'll beat you to death!" she snarled, yanking Li Dongmei's hair and kicking her.
Da Niu, writhing in pain, howled and repeatedly punched Li Dongmei's head, trying to force her to release her bite.
Yet, Li Dongmei, for reasons unknown, seemed possessed, unaffected by pain, and refused to let go.
At this rate, Da Niu was destined to lose a piece of flesh.
Liu Yifeng was genuinely surprised. The usually gentle and somewhat shy Li Dongmei possessed such a wild side.
He wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't witnessed it himself.
Without hesitation, he walked over to Li Dongmei and said, "Sister Li, please let go. Stop fighting."
Hearing Liu Yifeng's voice, Li Dongmei immediately released Da Niu. Fearing he would think ill of her, she quickly explained, "Yifeng, please don't misunderstand. I didn't mean to fight them. It's just that they were saying such nasty things about you, and I couldn't bear it anymore, so I retaliated."
"You're a madwoman! You bit me like this! Liu Yifeng, look at my hand. I need to get a rabies shot. Who knows if she's rabid? And what's it to her if I talk about you? Is she your mistress?" Da Niu's wrist bore a shocking bite mark, not only bleeding but also a deep, stinging wound.
"Da Niu, speak with evidence. Sister Li and I are just ordinary friends. If you spread such rumors again, I can sue you for defamation!" Liu Yifeng frowned, displeased.
Today, he had to clarify his relationship with Li Dongmei in front of everyone. Otherwise, with the villagers' tongues wagging, in half a day, the entire village would believe he and Li Dongmei were having an affair.
If the news reached his father, it would surely give him a heart attack.
Seeing her son's injury, Da Niu's mother wailed, "Oh, heavens! She bit my son like this! Is she even human? Pay for the medical expenses, or this matter won't end here."
"Your son deserves it! He was leading the gossip and speaking ill of Yifeng!" Li Dongmei was still defending Liu Yifeng, unaware of her mistake.
"Everyone, listen! Li Dongmei is still defending Liu Yifeng. Do you dare say they aren't having an affair? If they weren't, why didn't she defend Old Man Liu last time when he was rumored to be involved with the village idiot, Guo Hua?" Da Niu pointed at Li Dongmei.
The villagers, hearing this, found it logical and began to cast suspicious glances at both of them.
Liu Yifeng detested this feeling of being misunderstood. "Everyone, I've said it before, Sister Li and I do not have that kind of relationship. She was merely standing up for me, and I'm grateful. However, I hope Sister Li won't get into conflicts with the villagers over my matters anymore. It's not worth it. If there's any trouble, or if things escalate, I can handle it myself!" Liu Yifeng said to Li Dongmei expressionlessly.
While he hadn't had a serious relationship, he wasn't foolish. Li Dongmei's actions, biting Da Niu's hand bloody in front of so many people for his sake, indicated her feelings for him. It was impossible to deny.
He realized his father's early warning to stay away from Sister Li was wise. He had deliberately avoided her, but her actions had led to this misunderstanding about their relationship.
He could tolerate gossip about himself, but if this reached his children, it would be a source of hurt for them. Therefore, he had to make Li Dongmei understand clearly that he harbored no romantic feelings for her.
Li Dongmei clearly sensed Liu Yifeng's displeasure. She quickly explained, "Yifeng, please don't misunderstand. I did this simply because I couldn't stand what they were saying. You've helped me so much. Seeing others misunderstand and gossip about you, I couldn't stand by idly."
However, her explanation only served to deepen the misunderstanding.
One person, smiling, teased, "Dongmei, why does Yifeng help you and not us? You say you have no relationship, but I say admit it. You're a widow, so finding another man is normal."
"Exactly, why hide it?"
...
Seeing the villagers becoming more convinced of their relationship, Li Dongmei was at a loss for words, pacing like an ant on a hot pan. She wasn't bothered by the gossip about herself and Liu Yifeng, but she feared Yifeng would be unhappy and cut ties with her.
Liu Yifeng frowned, looking at the gossiping crowd. He said sternly, "I told you, Sister Li and I are not in the relationship you imagine. If I hear any more backbiting, I will report you to the police for defamation. Feel free to test me!"
The villagers, seeing he wasn't joking, were truly scared. If Liu Yifeng called the police, they would be taken in for questioning.
Da Niu, however, cared little for that. "I don't care what your relationship is. All I know is that my hand was bitten by this crazy woman because of you. You are responsible. Enough talk, pay up, or I'll call the police too."
"You and your mother also attacked me earlier. We're even," Li Dongmei retorted.
"You acted like a mad dog, biting me. Can't I defend myself? Besides, everyone saw it. You attacked first, so you must take responsibility."
"That's right. My son's flesh and blood are torn. We can report this for a medical examination, and you might even be charged. We have two options for you: first, pay compensation. Second, let the police handle it. Then you'll not only pay compensation but also be detained for a few days," Da Niu's mother added.
Li Dongmei finally grew scared. She couldn't go to jail; she had two children at home. "Tell me then, how much do you want?"