Chapter 100: A Clash of Wits Once More

With Zhao Dongkui’s words, Zhao Liang naturally had no intention of leaving anymore. Yet, he no longer entertained any thoughts of snagging the fat pig. After all, Zhao Dongkui had been right earlier—if you don’t have the money, don’t mess around. If something went wrong, no one could bear the responsibility.

But Zhao Liang found himself puzzled. How did Liu Xing come by so much money? Just as he was about to seek out Zhao Dongkui for some guidance, Zhao Ji returned carrying a basin. Soon after, Zhao Jianzhong and his wife brought a small wooden tub. Seeing this, Zhao Liang immediately realized they were preparing to collect the pig’s blood.

He slapped his forehead in regret. “Brother, why didn’t you tell me to bring some basins? Such a delicacy is rare to come by!”

“That fat pig was bought by my brother-in-law, not me. Why should I get a share of the blood?” Zhao Dongkui replied with a faint smile.

“True enough,” Zhao Liang acknowledged, realizing that without money, one had no say at the market.

As they chatted, more villagers arrived with basins to collect pig’s blood. The crowd grew larger, swelling with onlookers eager for the spectacle. After all, it wasn’t New Year’s—such a pig slaughter was a rare and lively event.

Knowing they couldn’t delay, Liu Xing ordered the butcher to begin. Liu Dongju promptly lit firecrackers beneath the pomelo tree, the loud pops startling the children—Guazi, Little Dot, Zhao Jing, and others—into fleeing.

But the butcher remained unfazed. He placed all the basins beneath the steps, then swiftly dispatched the fat pig with a clean, decisive cut, showing no hesitation. Bright red blood gushed out, filling basin after basin. The butcher ignored the pig’s thrashing and spasms—it was securely tied with expert knots, impossible to break free.

Soon, the blood was collected. The butcher turned to Liu Dongju, “Quick, take these to the kitchen before they cool; the taste changes if left cold.”

“Alright!” Liu Dongju hurried off, basins in hand.

Zhao Ji, Zhao Dongkui, Zhao Hu, Zhao Biao, and others also stepped forward to help. At that moment, Widow Wang arrived, panting heavily. Seeing no blood was left for her, she was deeply disappointed.

The butcher chuckled, then asked Liu Xing, “How do you want the pork handled? Tell me, and I'll take care of it.”

Liu Xing was about to reply when a screech of brakes interrupted his thoughts. Turning toward the market street, he was stunned. Zhao Liang ducked hastily under the pomelo tree, frightened.

The once noisy murmurs of curiosity among the villagers turned into complete silence.

Two jeeps had arrived—one from the Donghe Police Station, the other from the Bureau of Industry and Commerce. As they parked, familiar faces emerged: Tian Jun, Niu Lianfang, and Ding Lan among them.

Guazi’s sharp eyes caught sight of Ding Lan and Niu Lianfang, and she ran over joyfully, her sweet voice dissolving the awkward atmosphere. “Sisters, how did you know Guo and I were here?”

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