Chapter 456: Peeling Off Your Faces

The clan elder stared at Gu Xixi in shock, utterly disbelieving that his "Xixi lass" would actually say such a thing.

"You..."

"How can you speak like that!"

The clan elder felt anguished and indignant, as if facing a clueless child.

"If you have any unhappiness or dissatisfaction, you can speak up; we'll discuss it together."

"Why must you throw a childish tantrum and say these willful words?"

Only then did the others snap to attention, all joining in to persuade.

"Yes, Xixi, the clan elder means well for you; such a large tea plantation—how can a young lady like you possibly manage it?"

"Boss Gu is our person in charge; she couldn't possibly ignore everyone, right?"

"A single tree doesn't make a forest; even a good hero needs three helpers—only one's own kin are truly trustworthy!"

……

Gu Xixi felt somewhat suffocated, involuntarily exhaling a heavy breath of pent-up air,

She spoke earnestly, yet these people actually thought she was just throwing a petty fit?

Mu Nan Zhao, Shitou, and Lv Jing merely stood silently beside Gu Xixi.

As long as Gu Xixi showed no sign of seeking help, it meant she could handle it herself; no one needed to disturb her.

The noisy clamor continued.

Suddenly, Gu Xixi spoke, "Have you said enough?"

Her voice wasn't loud, yet it swept over the crowd like a gust of wind and snow.

The scene instantly cooled, falling silent once more.

Gu Xixi first looked at the clan elder, "In the past I've had little contact with you, so my understanding is still somewhat lacking."

"I originally thought your credibility couldn't be discussed, but at least you'd be someone who knows the times."

"With you leading them, I'll cooperate with you, each taking what we need, and we can live peacefully."

"But looking at today..."

She smiled, laced with extreme sarcasm, "I most despise elders who lack decorum yet insist on putting on airs of seniority, knowing nothing yet pointing fingers at young people's affairs."

"If you're going to arrange everything for me, you might as well go tell the County Office and see if you can directly take my position?"

The clan elder sputtered, "When... when did I say I'd take your position?"

Gu Xixi cut him off, "You don't not want to; you simply can't."

"Do you understand tea trees? Do you know how difficult it is to grow tea trees in the northwest?"

"Can you come up with the funds to support the entire tea plantation?"

She snorted, her gaze sweeping over the crowd, "Let alone the subsequent picking, processing, operation, management, and so on."

"One or two, you all want to stuff people into my tea plantation."

"Who among you understands these? Come out and say a few words."

"If anyone truly has this ability, I guarantee on-the-spot hiring, even advance payment of one month's wages!"

"Got it?!"

The clan elder's face first flushed red, then turned pale.

Those who had been jumping about most eagerly now had darting eyes, daring not to meet Gu Xixi's gaze, fearing they'd be called on to speak.

Yet Gu Xixi did not let them off just then.

She fixed her gaze on one person, "You said you'd let your son help me manage money."

"How many characters does he know? Can he write and calculate? Can he use an abacus?"

This person couldn't respond, rolled his eyes in resentment, and muttered under his breath:

"Can't one learn slowly if they don't know?"

"You talk as if someone were born knowing how to write and use an abacus!"

"After all, it's just that you don't want to help."

Gu Xixi heard this and said, "Exactly, I just don't want to help."

"I run a tea plantation, not a charitable clinic, foundling home, or school."

"If you want your son to learn a skill, what have you been feeding him as parents?"

"Raising him into a useless good-for-nothing, you ought to blame yourselves for failing the Gu Clan ancestors!"

Immediately, her eyes sharpened as she turned to the next, "You, your own children aren't enough, you still want to bring in your wife's family."

"If you've already blown this cow ahead of time, you're destined to be slapped in the face and regret it—foolish woman, you deserve it."

"You, you said you'd handle procurement for the tea plantation's big kitchen, yet I haven't even decided whether to officially set up the stove, and you've already decided on the name for me—convenient for you to line your own pockets?"

"The tea plantation wants me to invest real money, yet you're stupid and greedy, thinking I'm also a fool?"

"And you, you want to monopolize transport, right? I've heard of your ragtag crew—those few people underneath drink, gamble, fish three days and dry nets two days, occupying all the time; you yourself don't know how much work you can do?"

"Talking about relatives, to help me, show some face!"

"As for the clan elder you, aren't you benevolent? Wanting me to forgive and accept, why when I say send Gu Tiezhu to your home to be cared for, you dare not respond?"

"You want to sit and collect dividends from the tea plantation, yet insist you're doing it for the prosperity of the Gu Clan."

"If you dare invest money in the tea plantation, it's only because you take it to be a joint venture with the Government Office; even if you lose money, I can't run away—you'll always be able to find me to collect debts."

"Playing the good person is enough; don't keep pretending until even you believe it."

……

Gu Xixi slaughtered in all directions.

Shitou watched with his mouth forming an O shape, ah……

He tugged at Lv Jing's hand, the two of them huddled together and loudly gossiped:

"Sister Xixi scolds one after another, so awesome!"

Lv Jing nodded in deep agreement, "Listening to it is quite satisfying."

Shitou said, "But this way, they'll become angry out of shame; later, will they start fighting?"

"Start fighting?" Lv Jing laughed, glancing aside.

Mu Nan Zhao stood with a calm expression beside Gu Xixi.

These people are just getting scolded, that's all.

If anyone dares to act.

Then their fate today will only be worse.

The Gu Clan Elder was exposed by Gu Xixi in public, his face turning dark.

He clutched his chest, gasping incessantly, "You! You're going too far!"

"I value you, letting a woman like you be the head; what have I done wrong to you at my age, to still be slandered and humiliated by a junior like you!!"

Everyone hurriedly surrounded the Gu Clan Elder, patting his chest to smooth his qi and pounding his back.

And there were those glaring at Gu Xixi shouting, "Don't go too far!"

Gu Xixi's words lifted some people's fig leaves, leaving them unable to refute.

Plus Lv Jing and Shitou playing off each other, making it even harder for people to keep face.

These people, each harboring ulterior motives, put on a pose of righteous indignation, surrounding Gu Xixi and the others completely.

"The old man treats you so well, setting a precedent just for you, and you repay kindness with enmity!"

"Look at how you've made the clan elder angry—can you bear the consequences?"

"Right! Today you must give an explanation!"

Led by Gu Er, they looked hostile, clearly intending to find fault at the opportunity.

Shitou and Lv Jing stepped forward, blocking Gu Xixi, both glaring angrily at the opposite side, showing no weakness.

Shitou spat, "Pah, those who repay kindness with enmity accuse others of the same—shameless!"

"Even as a child I'd look down on you!"

Lv Jing snorted coldly, "You're already upset? Making such a demand, didn't you consider others might refuse?"

"I still advise you not to court death."

"In your eyes, do you think our master's success today is purely luck?"