"Dabao," coughed the old man, his voice raspy, "you're not a kid anymore. It's time you settled down and got married. I've saved up a bit of my coffin money. If you promise to stop running around with those riffraff outside, you can take it as your bride price."
In Du Dabao's home, a hunched figure with white hair coughed as he earnestly advised Du Dabao.
Du Dabao's eyes widened. "Grandpa, how can I take your money? Don't worry, I've learned my lesson now and won't associate with those people anymore. Once I find a wife, I'll make sure to have a great-grandchild for you to hold soon."
Despite Du Dabao's brawling and associating with thugs outside, he was absolutely obedient and extremely filial to his grandfather.
This was because Du Dabao had lost his parents at a young age, and his grandmother had also passed away. His grandfather had raised him all by himself.
The grandfather and grandson were as close as kin, their bond naturally being exceptionally deep.
"Good, good. If I can hold a great-grandchild before I close my eyes, then I'll have peace of mind when I go to see your parents in the afterlife," his grandfather said, a look of relief on his face.
Although he knew very well what kind of character his grandson was and that no one in the village would dare marry their daughter to him, he was content that Du Dabao had said this.
"Grandpa, what are you talking about? You'll live a long life. When my wife and I are old enough to care for you, you'll just enjoy yourselves." Du Dabao thumped his chest, reassuring his grandfather.
As they were talking, footsteps were heard from outside, followed by a knock on the door.
"Who is it?"
"Grandpa, you sit down for a moment, I'll get it."
Du Dabao walked through the main hall into the courtyard and opened the iron gate of their house.
"Du, Du Fei, why are you here?"
As soon as the door opened, Du Dabao saw Du Fei standing outside. He couldn't help but take two steps back, a hint of fear on his face.
Honestly, in his entire life, Du Dabao had never feared anyone.
When it came to fighting in Du Family Village, no one could match him.
But the mere sight of Du Fei made him feel like a mouse spotting a cat; he was terrified.
Du Dabao found it strange. Du Fei had been so weak before. How come, after getting out of prison, he felt like Du Fei could crush him with one hand? Even his gaze was frightening.
"Dabao, who is it? Oh, it's Little Fei! Come in, come in quickly."
Before Du Fei could speak, Du Dabao's grandfather came out. Seeing Du Fei at the door, he immediately and enthusiastically invited him in.
Du Fei swallowed the words he was about to say and greeted his grandfather with a smile.
Even though Du Dabao had a notorious reputation in Du Family Village all these years, his grandfather was known for his kindness. Whenever any family was in trouble or something happened, he would proactively offer his help.
Many people even whispered behind his back, wondering how such a good-hearted person could have such a scoundrel for a grandson. It was truly incomprehensible.
"Little Fei, when did you get out? Good boy, you must have suffered a lot these past few years, haven't you?"
Du Dabao helped his grandfather back into the inner room and sat down. His grandfather pulled Du Fei close and asked with concern.
Du Fei shook his head. "Grandpa, I just got out a couple of days ago. Thank you for your concern, I'm doing well."
"As people get older, they become useless. Back when your family had trouble, I wanted to help, but I couldn't do much," Du Dabao's grandfather paused. "It's good that you're back. You must live well from now on. Grandpa believes that with your intelligence, you'll surely achieve great things. Unlike our Dabao, I know very well what people in the village say about him behind his back. Now, no one is even willing to marry him."
"Grandpa!"
Although Du Dabao was indeed disappointing, being spoken of like that by his grandfather in front of an outsider still made Du Dabao feel embarrassed.
He looked awkward and somewhat displeased at his grandfather.
"What? You can't even take a few words from Grandpa?"
"Yes, yes, yes. You're my grandpa. Everything you say is right."
At his grandfather's glare, Du Dabao immediately conceded.
Alas, let him scold. He had already lost face in front of Du Fei, even begging on his knees. Compared to that, his grandfather's words were nothing.
"Grandpa, don't say that about Dabao. A while ago, my family was in a difficult spot, and Dabao lent me thirty thousand yuan. I've come specifically to return it today."
Du Fei had come to Du Dabao's house today intending to return the thirty thousand yuan he had borrowed previously.
But seeing how old Du Dabao's grandfather was and that he was still worrying about him, Du Fei felt a pang of guilt. So, he fabricated a white lie to comfort the old man.
"Is that so? Du Fei, are you telling the truth? Our Dabao is actually so sensible?"
Indeed, as soon as Du Fei finished speaking, Du Dabao's grandfather looked at Du Dabao in surprise, as if he couldn't believe it.
Du Dabao glanced at Du Fei and reacted immediately. Then he said, "Grandpa! Haven't you always taught me that neighbors should help each other? I've mended my ways now, so please don't worry."
Du Dabao's grandfather thought he had truly become sensible, and a happy smile spread across his face, even smoothing out the wrinkles.
Du Fei took out the money he had prepared, and Du Dabao instinctively reached out to take it.
Unexpectedly, Du Fei placed the money directly into his grandfather's hands.
"Grandpa, since Dabao is sensible now, please keep the money for him to use when he gets married later."
Upon hearing Du Fei's words, Du Dabao's entire face fell.
He had originally expected to receive a hundred thousand yuan from lending money at usury. But then he encountered the formidable Du Fei, and the hundred thousand yuan went down the drain.
Now, even the principal of thirty thousand yuan was confiscated by his grandfather. Du Dabao was on the verge of tears.
However, since the money was with his grandfather, Du Dabao knew he could never get it back. He could only comfort himself by thinking of it as filial piety.
His grandfather nodded with a smile.
After a while, Du Dabao's grandfather began to feel tired. Being elderly, he couldn't sit for long and went into the bedroom to rest.
Du Dabao and Du Fei walked towards the door.
Just as they reached the gate, Du Fei stopped.
Du Dabao was unsure what Du Fei intended to do, so he looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"This is the interest. Keep it."
Regardless of the circumstances, Du Dabao had indeed lent thirty thousand yuan to his family. Du Fei would not pay the usurious interest, but he calculated the interest based on bank rates and gave it to Du Dabao.
Du Dabao took the money from Du Fei.
"Du Fei, wait."
Just as Du Fei turned to leave, Du Dabao called out to him.
Du Fei turned his head, and Du Dabao said, "Be careful lately. Brother Hu and his gang suffered a loss last time, and I heard they're gathering people to get revenge on you."
Du Dabao hesitated slightly but decided to tell Du Fei.
After all, Du Fei had helped him out in front of his grandfather just now.
In return, he was informing Du Fei about Brother Hu and his gang planning to take revenge.
"I know."
Du Fei nodded, looking unconcerned.
Du Dabao wanted to say that Brother Hu and his gang were hardened criminals, men who had even committed murder. But Du Fei's indifferent demeanor made Du Dabao realize that further words would be useless, and he let it be.