The courtyard gate was wide open, and Fat Head, along with Li Mei's cousin Wang Hai, stepped inside.
Fat Head's eyes immediately landed on the fool Er Zhu sitting in the center of the yard. He flinched, retracting his hand.
His hand was currently wrapped in bandages, and he still harbored some fear of the fool's previous actions.
Fat Head's face was grim. He pointed a finger at the fool and said hatefully, "Brother, it's him, it's this fool."
Wang Hai knew the fool. Years ago, when Li Mei went to his house to borrow money, she had brought Er Zhu with her.
He looked surprised. How could this skinny fool possibly defeat Fat Head, who weighed nearly 180 pounds?
"Fat Head, are you kidding me? You couldn't beat this kid?"
"Brother, you don't know, this fool has immense strength, like a bull."
Wang Hai intended to teach the fool a lesson. At that moment, Li Mei woke up and came out of her room, spotting the two men at once.
"Cousin? What are you doing here?"
Li Mei's heart sank. She had no idea how Wang Hai had gotten involved with Fat Head.
Wang Hai's eyes lit up when he saw Li Mei. The reason he was helping Fat Head was because Fat Head had promised to split any medical expenses they received afterward.
How much they would get depended entirely on Wang Hai's abilities.
"Li Mei, how could you discipline this fool like this? You beat Fat Head so badly, he has a fracture."
Wang Hai pointed at Fat Head and shouted.
"That's right, Li Mei. I originally wanted to help you because I know you're kind-hearted, but you made this fool beat me up like this. Is there any justice? Is there any law?"
Li Mei's eyes widened. She felt a surge of inexplicable anger. How could such a person exist?
"You're talking nonsense, you were the one trying to harass me."
"Tsk tsk, I have a wife and children. My wife is so beautiful. Why would I harass you? You're overthinking it!"
Fat Head sneered at Li Mei, seemingly having anticipated her denial.
"I was just trying to help you carry those clothes because you couldn't lift them. You told this fool to sneak attack me when I wasn't looking."
Li Mei's breathing became rapid. She couldn't believe there was such a deceitful person in the world.
Just as she was about to speak, Er Zhu suddenly stood up, looking at Fat Head with a foolish grin.
In an instant, Fat Head took a step back.
Fat Head stared intently at the fool Er Zhu, his mouth shut, fearing the fool would rush him again.
Wang Hai suddenly walked into the yard, making Li Mei anxious.
Er Zhu looked at Wang Hai approaching, his eyes clear and sharp.
Li Mei rushed forward, blocking Wang Hai. "Cousin, what are you doing?"
Wang Hai sighed and said earnestly, "Li Mei, as your cousin, I understand your situation, but isn't the fool going too far?"
"He beat someone this badly, you can't justify it. You should at least pay some medical expenses."
Li Mei's face crumpled. "Cousin, where would I get the money? I've spent everything these past few years, and I still owe you so much."
Er Zhu suddenly pulled a coin from his pocket. "Med... medical expenses. Take this."
He tossed the coin onto the table. It landed perfectly and spun before rolling onto the floor.
Er Zhu's action angered both Fat Head and Wang Hai. Wang Hai roared, "Fool, are you playing with me?"
Without hesitation, Wang Hai threw a punch, dodging Li Mei, and swung at Er Zhu.
Li Mei screamed in fright and quickly turned her head.
She saw Wang Hai's fist being tightly caught by Er Zhu.
Wang Hai froze for a moment. He swung with his other hand, but it was also firmly gripped by Er Zhu by the wrist.
Wang Hai became enraged. Now he understood why Fat Head had lost. This fool's strength was astonishing.
"Let go!" Wang Hai shouted.
Er Zhu smiled foolishly. He wanted to teach Wang Hai a lesson, but with Li Mei so close, he was hesitant to fight.
He then released Wang Hai, who stumbled back several steps.
Fat Head suddenly yelled, "Villagers, come quickly! Is there any justice? Is there any law?"
Fat Head stood and shouted loudly. Soon, several men and women, young and old, gathered around.
Er Zhu frowned. This was clearly a premeditated act.
Wang Hai looked at the figures standing at the entrance and was overjoyed. He sauntered to the gate, his face a picture of misery. "Villagers, please help us uphold justice."
Fat Head quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, villagers, help us uphold justice. Widow Li Mei was washing clothes by the stream, and when I wasn't looking, she had that fool beat me up like this. Is there any justice? Is there any law?"
"You're lying!"
Li Mei's breathing grew ragged. Tears welled up in her eyes. She never expected Wang Hai to go this far, even calling the entire village.
Wang Hai continued, "Ever since her husband passed away, Li Mei has been borrowing money from me. I couldn't bear to refuse, but who knew Li Mei wouldn't repay me? This has gone on for several years. We're not a wealthy family, and our lives have been quite miserable these past few years."
"Villagers, you must help us uphold justice!"
"I never thought you were like this, Li Mei!"
"I even helped you find a job!"
"You've disgraced the Wang family!"
Li Mei was speechless, her face covered in tears. She gritted her teeth and sobbed, "I will repay you!"
Then, Er Zhu suddenly walked in front of Li Mei and said to Wang Hai at the entrance, "Three thousand yuan. I can repay you in three days!"
He felt a sense of guilt. Li Mei had borrowed the money that time because he had injured his leg.
"Heh heh, you're a fool. Do you even know what three thousand yuan means?"
"Haha, did I hear that right?"
Er Zhu's words caused the villagers at the entrance to burst into laughter.
Wang Hai was ecstatic. This was exactly what he wanted to hear.
In fact, he had only lent Li Mei fifteen hundred yuan back then. He insisted that after so many years without repayment, the price would surely double. How could fifteen hundred yuan back then compare to fifteen hundred yuan now?
Li Mei stood behind him, tightly gripping his sleeve.
She had no way of producing three thousand yuan. Her monthly salary was only five hundred, and it was a miracle she could support the two of them.
Li Mei's face was filled with worry as she looked at Er Zhu, helpless and not understanding why he would say such a thing.
"Alright, I'll come to collect in three days!"
"Everyone heard that, right? This fool said he'll repay me in three days. It's not unreasonable for me to come collect then, is it?"
"Debts must be repaid; it's only natural."
"That's right, if you have the nerve to borrow money, you should have the nerve to repay it!"
"Then I, Wang Hai, will ask all of you, villagers, to come with me in three days to collect the money."
Wang Hai smiled at everyone. To be honest, he was a little intimidated to come alone. Fat Head, who was so strong, had been beaten this badly by the fool.