Chapter 2517 - 2581: I Refuse
Wang Feng crossed his arms, his eyes playing. He naturally didn’t believe a little girl could do anything substantial, but he wasn’t too keen on using force just yet. However, since Li Manli refused to yield, he felt somewhat dissatisfied. Turning his head to glance at Wu Gang, Wang Feng said, "Old Wu, try to persuade the girl. Being with me is a good thing, don’t make it look like a murder, it’s so unpleasant."
"Alright, alright!" Wu Gang quickly nodded. He personally wasn’t much, but it shouldn’t have come to this, forcing Li Manli. It’s just that... A few days ago, he was deceived while gambling in town, losing more than twenty thousand in one night. Wu Gang was so poor he only had this house left, and his opponents said if he couldn’t come up with the money, they’d seize the house. Then, both he and Li Manli’s mother would have to scram.
Wu Gang absolutely believed they could do that. In a small place like this, where heaven is high and the emperor far away, not to mention seizing the house, they could potentially break his arms and legs. And at this time, Wang Feng came around, expressing interest in Li Manli, not only to help repay the gambling debt but also offering a dowry of twenty thousand — it was simply an unexpected blessing.
As for what Li Manli thought, Wu Gang never considered it. He didn’t care; she was just a little girl, what opinion could she have? Whatever adults said would be it. Besides, while sixteen was a bit young, it wasn’t unheard of for girls her age in the village to marry, and they lived quite well.
Wu Gang wasn’t afraid of neighbors knowing or how others looked at him. He was the kind of bachelor who, if he cared about others’ opinions, would have awakened long ago, worked hard to earn money, and wouldn’t be idling at this age.
Wu Gang thought he was persuading with heartfelt words for a while, but Li Manli still shook her head, enraging him to the point he raised his hand to slap her. Li Manli was scared, screamed, and held her head. However, Wang Feng stopped Wu Gang’s hand, saying, "Old Wu, don’t hit her. Hurt Lili, and I’d feel pity. Let’s talk things out."
Then, he turned to Li Manli, saying, "Look, I’ve laid out all the conditions for you, showing my true heart and sincerity. Your mother is seriously ill and needs to go to the hospital urgently. Your family doesn’t have a penny right now, even eating is a problem. If you have other means, that’s fine, but you don’t, right? I sincerely want to marry you, isn’t this the best result?"
"Brother Wang Feng, I want to borrow money, but I can’t marry you; I’m still too young!" Li Manli couldn’t think of a better excuse to refuse him. She was indeed too young and, apart from repeating these words, had no idea how to turn him down.
"Hehe!" Wang Feng faintly smiled, shook his head, then said, "Then you’ll just have to watch your mother die. You’ve already seen; she hasn’t opened her eyes since you returned. You think she’s asleep? Let me tell you, her illness is already at an advanced stage. If she doesn’t get treatment soon, she might pass away tomorrow!"
"How is that possible?" Li Manli was stunned upon hearing this, recalling her mother lying in the west room. She felt what he said was very likely true; her mom’s health was indeed poor, and she needed urgent hospital treatment. But... must she really sacrifice herself for her mother’s health?
Li Manli did not lack the courage, only that doing so would ruin her future. Marrying someone like him, could she really find happiness? The age difference between them was almost double, she could only feel her limbs growing cold and powerless. She bit her lip hard to regain some clarity through the pain, then heard him say, "Why not possible? Go see for yourself. I’m here to be the good guy, and you’re not appreciating it, really..."
Was it really like this? Li Manli felt as if struck by lightning. She clenched her fists and was about to go to the west room to check on her mother, but Wang Zheng didn’t dodge; he blocked her way, saying, "Would I deceive you? Your uncle is muddled and unaware of the severity. But upon coming to your house today, I noticed your mom is already out of it. Hehe, if you don’t believe me, go find a doctor to ask."
"I..." Li Manli felt weak all over, and after hearing the bad news about her mom, she began to falter. With all the events of today, she was completely overwhelmed.
Wang Feng observed this and smiled inwardly, knowing that today he’d likely succeed. She was just a child, easily spooked. And he liked this type the most, as he often lurked around schools targeting young girls who were not academically focused, easily enticing them with casual outings and gifts.
But having experienced that enough, it lost its appeal. Li Manli, however, held a different allure in Wang Feng’s eyes, not only for her looks stirring desire but also presenting a challenge. The only pity was that she wasn’t at school; otherwise, it would be even more enticing.
With these thoughts, Wang Feng reached out to grab Li Manli’s hand. Li Manli, emotionally distraught, didn’t notice his movement until it was too late. Her wrist was firmly grasped by Wang Feng, who then said, "Hey, Lili, sticking with me isn’t bad at all. I’ll treat you well, and you can get money from me for your mom’s treatment. Why not? Moreover, you won’t need to work. Just stay home; I’ll take care of you!"
"No! Let go of me, don’t touch me!" Li Manli struggled to break free, but her strength was too little. Wang Feng didn’t intend to let go, smirked, and said, "What are you struggling for? Sooner or later, you’ll be mine. Your mom and uncle have agreed!"
"No, I don’t agree! I won’t marry you, let go of me!" Li Manli fought desperately, even though he tightened her wrist painfully. On the side, Wu Gang had no intention of helping, acting as if he hadn’t seen it.
Unable to break free, Li Manli resorted to biting. Wang Feng, caught off guard, was indeed bitten, sending a surge of pain, igniting his rage instantly. Flinging his arm violently, he pushed Li Manli away while cursing, "You little ****, dare to bite me? I’m giving you money and promises; you don’t think I’m good enough?"
"Brother Feng, brother Feng, calm down. She’s just a kid who doesn’t understand much, don’t..." Wu Gang quickly intervened, seeing Wang Feng raise his hand to hit Li Manli. He was afraid Wang Feng, in his anger, might reject Li Manli. That would cost him the gambling debt settlement and the promised twenty thousand; those were significant issues, while Li Manli’s situation was of little concern to him.
Wang Feng was blocked, pushed him, saying, "Can’t even handle this thing, damn it. If she doesn’t agree soon, I’ll take her right here. If not once, then twice, until she submits!"
Wu Gang smiled apologetically, "Right, right, Brother Feng, calm down; she’s just a bit confused, she’ll come around soon."
"Damn it!" Wang Feng cursed, glaring at Li Manli, then coldly asked, "Last time asking: do you agree? If not, I’ll do it now. You see those people inside? It’s not just me; I’ll have them join in too!"
What young girl could withstand such threats? Li Manli felt the whole world was dark, sat on the ground curling up, tears flowing endlessly yet unsure what to do. The world seemed devoid of anyone who would or could help her, care for her, apart from her mother. She didn’t even understand what she had done wrong to deserve such a fate.
Wu Gang persuaded, "Lili, our family’s situation is just this. Your mom needs medical care, and I don’t have the ability, so... you should agree!"
"I don’t agree!" Li Manli’s eyes seemed vacant, appearing unfocused, but her reply was firm. She had enough of her mother’s life from childhood to now, wouldn’t choose that path — marrying early, lacking freedom, losing her own life. The past two months working outside, she truly felt happy, although it was exhausting and she was often bullied, it was much freer and unrestrained than all those years.
"Say it again!" Wang Feng’s voice completely chilled. He was inherently a thug, abusing his connections, causing trouble in town, not even regarding the town mayor. Over the years, he’d bullied many, who were ultimately helpless against him, inflating his arrogance. Seeing Li Manli refusing to yield, Wang Feng’s harsh words had been spoken, if she kept refusing, he might indeed, enraged, violate her right there.
Wu Gang became anxious. Li Manli leaned against the wall, slowly standing up, her gaze firm as she declared, "I don’t agree. My future should be decided by myself, not by you or anyone else. I don’t agree to what you say!"
"Ungrateful!" Spitting the words, Wang Feng reached out, slapping Li Manli across the face. That force was far beyond what she could withstand, sending her crashing into the wall, nearly hitting the stove’s edge.
"Brother Feng, brother Feng!" Wu Gang quickly went to hold him back; Wang Feng furiously retorted, "Five thousand for you, get out, I’ll force her soon!"
Wu Gang’s face changed drastically, pleading, but Wang Feng paid no heed, pushing him and threatened, "Better leave now, or I’ll beat you first!"
"I..." Wu Gang momentarily didn’t know what to do, genuinely fearing Wang Feng’s violence. Hesitating for a few seconds, he stepped back.
Wang Feng’s gaze turned sinister, staring at Li Manli. After receiving a slap and hitting her head, she felt dizzy, her mind buzzing, sensing someone approaching, instinctively moved towards the wall. Her head brushed against, leaving a trace of blood — she’d indeed hit her head hard.