C11 As a Witness

Shi Xiaoxia and Shi Xiaodong exchanged glances, both puzzled by Shi Xiaoshu's sudden change in demeanor. Just moments ago, he seemed determined to report Shi Xiaohua's case to the authorities, but now he was doing everything he could to stop it.

As the eldest son of Second Uncle Shi Zhaozi, Shi Xiaoshu had a reputation for being a womanizer and a gambler. Could this have something to do with it? But there was no time to dwell on that now; clearing Xiaoqiu's name was the priority.

Stepping forward, with a calm gaze, Xiaoxia said, "Second Uncle, Second Aunt, Xiaoqiu didn't kill Xiaohua. I mentioned this earlier. If you don't believe me, feel free to report it to the authorities and let them investigate. If you choose not to, then you must believe Xiaoqiu is innocent!"

Innocent? Could a person really just disappear like that? Zhou Guihua was furious, wishing she could strangle Xiaoqiu. Her lively Xiaohua was gone, just like that. She insisted on reporting it, "Xiaoshu, why aren't you going to the authorities?"

"Father, Mother, actually..."

"Report what? Xiaohua is dead, and only Xiaoqiu knows the truth. If it's not her, then who? Tie her up for me; I want to punish this troublemaker!" Shi Gaang had just woken up, supported by Zhang Rongrong from the Third Branch.

The Second Branch had lost their youngest son, and she couldn't be happier. She had been mocked before because of Xiaoyu, and now it was their turn. With Xiaohua gone and Shi Xiaoshu's reckless behavior, the Second Branch's assets would soon be squandered. The thought of it brought her joy.

As for how Xiaohua died and whether Xiaoqiu was involved, she couldn't care less. Her only concern was how big of a stir this would cause. "Dad, please don't let this upset you too much!"

Shi Gaang tapped his cane on the ground repeatedly. "Tie her up already!"

Only then did a few men in the yard move to grab Xiaoqiu.

"Nobody move! Grandpa, as the elder of the family, how can you act without knowing the truth and just tie up Xiaoqiu? Xiaohua is your grandson, and Xiaoqiu is your granddaughter. Isn't it a bit much to show such favoritism?"

Shi Gaang's anger surged, and he was shocked at her defiance. His mustache quivered as he struggled to speak, his face turning red. "You... you..."

"Grandpa, as the head of the family, you wouldn't want people saying you've lost your dignity, right? If word gets out that you wrongly accused your granddaughter, how will you face anyone in Red Apricot Village?"

She always respected her elders, but this man was not only biased but also heartless. He didn't deserve her respect!

Shi Gaang was so furious he nearly fainted again. When did she change so much? Every word felt like a needle!

"Xiaoxia, how can you speak to your grandpa like that? He's just trying to discipline you!" Zhang Rongrong chimed in, eager to stir the pot.

"Tie up all three sisters, tie them up together!" shouted Shi Gaang.

This couldn't have been done by Shi Xiaoqiu alone; Shi Xiaoxia might have been behind it!

Xiaohua was his precious grandson, how could these three insignificant people compare to him?

"Wait, I can prove that Xiaohua's death has nothing to do with Xiaoqiu!"

A voice interrupted, and everyone turned to see it was Dawang.

"This is a family matter, what are you doing here?" Zhang Rongrong snapped at him.

"Mr. Shi, I found this shoe by the river. Take a look, isn't it Xiaohua's?" Dawang said, handing over the shoe.

Zhou Guihua grabbed it, and both she and her husband examined it closely, recognizing it as their son's shoe.

"Not just the shoe, there are also signs of slipping in the mud by the river. It seems Xiaohua fell into the river while playing. The water there is fast, and he's only seven..."

"You're lying! Xiaohua must have been killed by Xiaoqiu. What are you trying to do? Finding a shoe proves nothing! Oh, I see, you're here to help them?" Zhou Guihua pushed Dawang away forcefully.

"Second Aunt!" Shi Xiaoxia quickly helped Dawang up. He must have heard about the family's troubles and came to help. "Now that things are clear, if you're still unsure, you can report it to the authorities!"

"Yes, I'll report it right away!" Dawang glanced at Shi Xiaoxia, his eyes full of concern.

Just as he was about to step out, Xiaoshu grabbed him. "Dad, Mom, Grandpa, it's all clear now. Even if you don't admit it, there's nothing we can do. Xiaohua fell because she was playing around. If we call in the authorities, it might backfire, and we could be accused of making false claims. The authorities are like leeches; if they get involved, the Shi family could be ruined!"

"Exactly! You can't just summon the authorities on a whim. Out here, they're like little emperors, and the county office holds all the power. If they find something, fine. But if they don't, the Shi family could lose half its fortune!"

"Dad, Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, I think it's pretty clear what happened. If we really bring in the authorities, the consequences could be disastrous!"

The second branch might want to involve the authorities, but she had no say in that. However, the family hadn't split yet, so any loss to the Shi family would also be her loss!

Shi Gaang moved his lips, shot a sharp glance at the three sisters, and turned back inside. Rongrong quickly followed him!