Chapter 22

Pitiful

With no other options, Su Ning had to return and plead for help.

Her brothers were not at home, and Qin Zhenzhen was the only person she could turn to.

Third Sister-in-law, will you help save my Fifth Brother?

I promise to treat you well in the future!

Fifth Brother was already 12 years old, a grown boy. Having his pants taken off would bring long-lasting humiliation.

Qin Zhenzhen locked eyes with Su Ning. How do you propose I save him?

Su Ning couldnt hold back her tears.

The best outcome would be if you can prove my Fifth Brothers innocence. If thats not possible, could you please lend me one liang to secure his release? We will definitely repay you!

Their immediate goal was to ensure Fifth Brother wasnt humiliated. They would figure out the rest once Second Brother and the others returned.

Qin Zhenzhen didnt completely trust Su Nings words.

According to the records, Su Cheng was portrayed as a thief.

Although the book mentioned that he fell into thieving due to bad influence, the possibility of having the thief genes lingered.

Thats what the book claimed.

However, after carefully observing Su Ning, Qin Zhenzhen noticed no signs of deception.

You truly didnt steal the corns?

No, I swear!

Witnessing Su Nings desperation and realizing she wasnt lying, Su Ning raised her hands in distress.

If Im lying, Ill marry the ugliest man alive!

Qin Zhenzhen couldnt help but chuckle. She hadnt expected Su Ning to make such a drastic oath.

In the book, Su Nings fixation on appearances made it the most severe vow imaginable for her.

Qin Zhenzhen believed her about 60%.

Regardless of whether Su Cheng had stolen the corns from their aunts home or not, she planned to visit him anyway.

After all, she was their Third Sister-in-law!

Her goal was to mend their relations.h.i.+p.

Qin Zhenzhen was determined to meet Su Chengs troublesome aunt.

If Su Cheng hadnt stolen the corns, she would find a way to prove his innocence. If he had, she would prevent him from being stripped naked.

On the way, Qin Zhenzhen asked Su Ning for more details.

There were other children present who were also cutting the gra.s.s, and some of them resembled Su Cheng.

Su Ning recounted the whole story to Qin Zhenzhen.

Qian Duoduo is the only one who looks like my Fifth Brother.

When we were cutting the gra.s.s, we were all scattered. I cant think of anyone suspicious.

Qian Duoduo and my Fifth Brother have a close relations.h.i.+p. Hes the only one who stood up for my Fifth Brother.

Qin Zhenzhen inquired, Was Qian Duoduo with you at that time?

Su Ning shook her head. Not together, but he was nearby.

Qin Zhenzhen took note of that information.

However, since the story wasnt written in the book, Qin Zhenzhen couldnt determine who the true thief was.

They remained uncertain whether Su Cheng had actually stolen the corns.

They soon arrived at the scene of the incident.

By this time, there were already seven or eight children gathered, observing the spectacle, while a few adults were pointing fingers.

Ms. Lins narrative had changed as well. She claimed to have witnessed Su Cheng stealing the corns in the mountains and later discovered five stolen corns in Su Chengs sweet potato field.

He was caught red-handed, and he had no choice but to confess.

Su Cheng kept swearing and crying.

I didnt steal the corns! I didnt steal yours!

I swear, if I were the thief, may I suffer a dreadful death!

That scoundrel must have hidden the corns in my field! Come out and confess!

May you meet a terrible demise and have no descendants!

His voice was hoa.r.s.e, and his eyes were bloodshot. He appeared truly pitiful.