CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56: THE INCIDENT

He Shi apologized awkwardly, "Ah Xiang, I’m really sorry. I didn’t expect that Ah Bo would do such a thing. We only found out a couple of days ago."

He Shi and Jiang Shi are from the same village and have been good friends since childhood, playing together until they grew up. Later, one married into Lishui Village and the other into Zhou Family Village. This marriage was something they agreed upon.

Zhou Bo and Shen Qinghe had met before, and both of them were somewhat fond of each other, so neither opposed the marriage.

Originally, it was thought that after the autumn harvest, the Zhou Family would come to propose marriage. Who could have known that what they were waiting for was such distressing news.

As soon as the Zhou Family left, Shen Qinghe held Shen Qingju and cried heartily.

"That Zhou Bo, he looks honest but who knew he was so unprincipled. Next time I see him, I’ll definitely beat him up!"

Shen Qingju comforted Shen Qinghe while growling resentfully.

After understanding the whole situation, Shen Qinglan’s expression wasn’t pleasant either.

It turned out Zhou Bo had gotten involved with a widow from their village, and the two of them had been secretly together for a while. It wasn’t until recently that the widow became pregnant, demanding Zhou Bo marries her, that the villagers overheard and reported it to He Shi.

After the scandal broke, Zhou Bo no longer hid it and disclosed everything directly.

Originally, Zhou Bo hadn’t planned to marry the widow, just wanted to have an affair with her before his new bride arrived. Who knew she would become pregnant?

He Shi was both angry and anxious, scolding and beating Zhou Bo thoroughly.

Zhou Bo deeply regretted it; Shen Qinghe was undoubtedly better in looks and behavior than the widow.

But alas, the situation was irreparable, and talking was futile.

The Zhou family knew that paper couldn’t cover fire for long, so they decided to confess to the Shen Family early, providing them with an explanation.

Zhou Bo, realizing his mistake, refused to come along, leaving He Shi with no choice but to come with her husband.

"There will be better days ahead."

Shen Qinglan stepped forward and gently comforted them.

Jiang Shi wiped her tears and hugged Shen Qinglan with a forced smile, "Since you’re here, have a meal before you go back. Qinghe, don’t cry anymore; Qinglan is right—better things will come."

Shen Qinghe’s crying attracted many onlookers, some even came inside to ask the Shen Family if something had happened. After hearing Shen He and Shen Qingfeng say it was nothing, they left, puzzled.

Because no one was in the mood, although the meal was abundant, everyone ate without much taste.

Shen Qinghe was too upset, so she went to her room and didn’t join the meal.

After the meal, Shen Qinglan was pulled by Dong Yao and Shen Qingju to comfort Shen Qinghe.

After crying a lot, Shen Qinghe’s eyes were swollen, and her expression was haggard.

Shen Qinglan didn’t know how to comfort people, so she just stood by and watched as everyone tried to persuade Shen Qinghe.

She grabbed Zhang Xiaolian who had just entered and asked, "Cousin-in-law, where is Zhou Family Village?"

"Why are you asking?" Zhang Xiaolian was puzzled.

Shen Qinglan said, "Just wondering."

Zhang Xiaolian thought for a moment and whispered, "It’s right next to our village. Walk south for about half an hour, and you’ll get there."

After listening, Shen Qinglan nodded and went out under puzzled looks from everyone.

"Qinglan, where are you going?"

Old Man Shen, smoking outside the door, couldn’t help but ask when he saw her march out determinedly.

Without turning, Shen Qinglan said, "Grandpa, I have something to do. I’m going out for a while."

After saying that, she opened the courtyard gate and headed towards the village entrance.