Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 304 Severing Ties and Ending Relationships
Faced with Zhao Yuju's unreasonable accusations, Wang Zhong snorted coldly and said:
"Are you kidding me, Comrade Zhao? You probably don't know that making a false police report is also a serious offense."

"Besides, this isn't something you can just say whatever you want. We're not stupid; we won't let you twist the truth."

"As for minor punishments to serve as a warning, I remember you just said that even your own grandson should be sent to jail to be educated."

"It would be best if they could be locked up for five or ten years, then the lesson would be truly profound."

Zhao Yuju's eyes were filled with despair. She never imagined that the cage she had just carefully woven for Wang Chengpeng would be placed on him in the next life.

"No, what I just said doesn't count." Zhao Yuju blocked the two of them and threw a tantrum. "This is my own grandson. No one can take him away."

Wang Jinshan also blocked their way, shouting, "This is our own family matter, you can mind your own business."

"Release Chun'an immediately. Our affairs are none of your business."

Such double standards shocked everyone.
The tragic experience of being treated differently by this family when the prisoner was mistaken for Wang Chengpeng is still vivid in his mind.

However, when the prisoner was changed to Wang Chun'an, the attitude of Wang Degong's family changed drastically.

Combined with the previous differential treatment in terms of money, everyone felt that Wang Chengpeng was being treated unfairly.

Even the biological son and grandson might not be able to stay in such a family, which explains why they separated early on.

Just then, Wang Chun'an also shouted loudly, saying:

"Don't arrest me, don't arrest me, I know I was wrong."

“I have sincerely repented and don’t need to be arrested and imprisoned. You can believe me, really.”

Looking at Wang Chun'an struggling, a hint of contempt flashed in Wang Chengpeng's eyes. He thought to himself that Wang Chun'an didn't know he was wrong; he just knew he had to pay the price for his mistakes.

The farce eventually ended with the intervention of the militia, who brought the agitated individuals under control.

Skynet is restored, sparse but not leaking.

The current scene perfectly matched the code Wang Chengpeng had set up, allowing Wang Chun'an to receive the punishment he deserved.

Seeing Wang Chun'an being arrested by the police, Zhao Yuju cried her heart out and unleashed a torrent of curses at Wang Chengpeng:
"Wang Chengpeng, you bastard, you have such a cruel heart, you deserve to die a horrible death!"

“You are a bastard, and your father was a bastard too. Our family should never have taken in bastards like you in the first place.”

Looking at Zhao Yuju, who was screaming desperately, a dangerous glint flashed in Wang Chengpeng's eyes, and his right hand even began to tremble uncontrollably.

In the end, he suppressed his anger and said with a laugh:
"We were all born of parents. If I am a bastard, then your whole family are bastards."

“I remember that not only Comrade Yue, but also Comrade Wang, everyone, and even myself, pleaded for Wang Chun’an, asking you not to go too far.”

"But what did you say? You said that the criminal must be sent to prison, otherwise he will not repent."

"These are all your own demands, and have nothing to do with us."

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, those who had been somewhat shaken by witnessing Zhao Yuju's tragic state immediately realized that Wang Chengpeng had done nothing wrong and the blame could not be placed on him.

The person who robbed the money was Wang Chun'an, and the people who imposed such a punishment on him were members of the Wang family. What does this have to do with Wang Chengpeng? Should we blame him for cooperating with the police to catch the criminal? This is simply sophistry.

Zhao Yuju shifted the blame onto Wang Chengpeng when the situation was unclear, which was utterly outrageous.

Furthermore, the differential treatment this family gave Wang Chengpeng clearly shows that they did not consider him as one of their own.

Seeing that he had already manipulated public opinion, Wang Chengpeng smirked and said:
"So many uncles, aunts, and other relatives are watching today. I'm sure you all know how the Wang Degong family has treated us."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng ripped off his shirt and tore it in two in front of everyone, saying:
“The Wang family has gone too far. We are not related by blood, and I had already bought out our support relationship with my job at the sugar factory.”

"I now solemnly declare that, just like this torn piece of clothing, I, my father, my mother, my sister, and I have absolutely no connection with Wang Degong's family anymore."

What should have been a heinous act, surprisingly, went unnoticed by everyone, given the backdrop of numerous events.

Seeing Wang Chengpeng's feigned strength, yet deeply wounded appearance, everyone felt a pang of pity for the child.

Some people even led the applause, as if celebrating the new life that Wang Chengpeng's family had been given.

Such a scene caused Wang Degong, who had just managed to wake up, to faint again. He even wished he had never woken up, otherwise he would not have encountered such a terrifying scene.

Just as Wang Chengpeng left Wang Degong's courtyard, he saw Wang Zidong coming up to greet him.

With such a major event occurring, it was impossible for Wang Zidong to be absent.

Patting Wang Chengpeng on the shoulder, Wang Zidong softly comforted him:
"Pengzi, I know you're a little sad, but don't overthink it. There's still a long road ahead."

"If you ask me, your whole family should have left this muddle-headed family a long time ago. Look at your lives, haven't they gotten better since you separated from the family?"

Wang Chengpeng naturally knew that Wang Zidong was there, and he even continued to defend himself when everyone began to question him.

However, he was no match for the misled masses and could only watch helplessly from the sidelines.

However, precisely because of this, after the situation reversed, Wang Zidong was able to finally get his revenge, leaving those villagers who had previously criticized him for his poor judgment of character too ashamed to even lift their heads.

Wang Chengpeng vaguely remembered that besides Wang Zidong, he seemed to hear another voice defending him.

The voice was clear and even somewhat pleasant, but I've forgotten whose voice it was.

Taking a deep breath, Wang Chengpeng wiped away non-existent tears from the corners of his eyes and said:

"Dongzi, it's okay. I think it's better to cut ties with some things sooner rather than later."

Just kidding, how could Wang Chengpeng possibly feel even the slightest sadness at getting rid of these vampires?
Even if there were, it would only be regret for not seeing through these people's true colors sooner, and for letting them persecute his family for so long.

However, with so many people watching, even though Wang Chengpeng was in the right, he still needed to put on a show.

The more he acts this way, the more it highlights the family's cold-bloodedness and ruthlessness, and the more he can stand on the moral high ground when he takes action against them in the future.

Just like what happened today, if Wang Chengpeng hadn't gotten involved and made some prior moves,
Even if the case is solved and it turns out that Wang Chun'an was the one who robbed the money,

This matter will definitely be downplayed and ignored, causing no real disturbance and allowing the perpetrators to remain at large.

Now look what's happened. It was his whole family who personally sent Wang Chun'an to jail, and even Wang Chun'an's own words dealt him the most fatal blow. If he had even the slightest bit of remorse, he wouldn't have uttered those shameless words before.

Even if he was truly afraid, he should still follow his own words and not believe that a weasel is paying respects to a chicken. He must believe that only the fairness and justice of the law can make evildoers realize their mistakes.

Seeing that Wang Chengpeng seemed still deeply engrossed in his thoughts, Wang Zidong's eyes darted around, and he changed the subject:
"Pengzi, I really feel sorry for you."

"You're such a good person, always kind to others and helping whenever you can, but when it comes down to it, not a single person stands up to help you."

"But I am a little surprised. When did you get involved with Xia Zhiqing? I saw her arguing with those people on your behalf, saying that you would never do such a thing."

Xia Zhiqing? Xia Mingyue?
Recalling the sounds he had heard earlier, Wang Chengpeng instantly understood what was going on.

He was actually quite surprised, wondering why Xia Mingyue would risk such controversy to stand up for him at this time.

Wang Chengpeng glared at Wang Zidong, then covered his mouth and said:
"Don't say things like that, or you'll get Xia Zhiqing killed."

"What kind of relationship could I have with her? We were just strangers who met by chance."

"The reason why Xia Zhiqing spoke up for me was not for any other reason than that she was smart and knew that an upright person like me would never do something like robbing money."

Realizing he had misspoke, Wang Zidong said with a forced smile:

"Of course I know I can't say things carelessly, but isn't it just the two of us here now that there's no one else around?"

"But you're right. Xia Zhiqing is a smart person. She can definitely tell right from wrong, so it's not hard to understand why she's willing to speak up for you."

"Alright, to celebrate getting rid of this whole family of bloodsuckers, why don't you come over to my house for a bit? We brothers can have a few drinks and drown our sorrows in alcohol."

"Drinking to drown your sorrows only makes them worse?" Wang Chengpeng said. "I happen to have some things I was planning to give you. Why don't you come to my house and take them with you on your way back?"

“When I went to Shanghe City last time, I brought back a few bottles of Wuliangye. I heard it tastes pretty good. We can have a little bit to get our blood flowing.”

"Wuliangye?" Wang Zidong looked at Wang Chengpeng with a surprised expression and said, "That would cost twenty-one bottles."

"Tsk tsk tsk, Pengzi, you really are rich, willing to buy this kind of wine."

"Alright, I'll head over to your place right away. Such fine wine is not to be missed."

Looking at Wang Zidong, who was firmly following behind him, Wang Chengpeng smiled and said:
"It's just some wine, an external thing, no need to value it so much."

"If you want a drink, you're welcome to come to my house anytime. I'll have plenty of good wine and food."

Given their relationship, Wang Zidong didn't hesitate and readily agreed.

"Okay, I'll go when I have time."

"After I've drunk your family out of house and home, you'll know you can't show off to your brothers when you're poor. Then you can come to my house for a drink."

Wang Chengpeng didn't seem to mind Wang Zidong's words at all, and directly retorted:

"Drink me out of house and home? You'll never do that in your lifetime."

"I didn't ride a bicycle when I came here, so you have to give me a ride back."

After saying that, Wang Chengpeng got on Wang Zidong's bicycle, and the two of them rode towards the Wang family's courtyard.

Neither of them noticed that not far from where they had been talking, a figure was silently watching them leave.

After the two rode away on their bicycles, the figure seemed to feel there was no need to stay any longer and turned to leave.

……

The news of Wang Chengpeng severing ties with Wang Degong's family on behalf of Wang Tieshan's family spread like wildfire, and even Wang Tieshan, who was far away on the other side of the village, knew about it.

Those people are really nosy; they even called the sugar factory to share the juicy gossip they'd heard that day with their friends and family there.

That's why, when Wang Chengpeng returned home, he found his parents already waiting for him.

Sensing the oppressive atmosphere at home, Wang Zidong wisely stepped aside, giving the spotlight to Wang Chengpeng.

Taking a deep breath, Wang Chengpeng stepped forward, flashing a fawning smile, and said to his parents:
"Father, Mother, you both know?"

"This is also my fault. I made the decision without communicating with you."

"If you think I did something wrong, I'll go with you over there and apologize profusely, how about that?"

Although he had acted first and informed his family later, Wang Chengpeng was still somewhat uneasy, fearing that his family might have different opinions.

Before Wang Chengpeng could get an answer, he felt himself being embraced by a warm arm and held in a warm embrace.

"You've suffered, child."

Although he only heard some minor details from his coworkers, Wang Tieshan could imagine how desperate Wang Chengpeng must have felt at that time.

If I were in that situation, not only would I be wrongly accused of robbery by Zhao Yuju, but these former "relatives" would also show no regard for our past relationship and only think about kicking me when I'm down. I would probably want to die.

Not to mention that in the end Zhao Yuju kept calling him a bastard, which was a devastating blow to those who cherished this family bond.

Thinking of this, Wang Tieshan's originally deep voice softened, and he said:
“Cheng Peng, I told you before that you can make all decisions on behalf of our family when we’re out in the world.”

"Don't take this to heart. We're family. We'll support you no matter what decision you make, even if it's wrong."

Hearing this, Liu Chunhua became unhappy and said, "What do you mean by 'I'll support everything'? My son is clearly doing the right thing."

"I've disliked that old hag Zhao Yuju for a long time, but she's your mother, so I can only put up with it."

“But they don’t recognize us, so there’s no need for us to be so pathetic as to rush to acknowledge them as relatives.”

"We are now completely estranged from their family. Our family and their family are no longer related."

(End of this chapter)