Chapter 26: The Truth in Ink
The tense air in the Bai courtyard didn't fade even after the loan sharks withdrew to the side. The villagers still lingered, whispering and gossiping, their eyes darting between Bai Sung's family and Madam Bai.
The village chief, stern-faced, instructed one of the clerks, "Go and bring a new household registration book."
Madam Bai, fuming, stomped back into the house and returned with the family's worn-out registration book, the corners folded from years of use. "Here!" she spat. "I'll split from him today! From now on, whatever disaster falls on him, it won't touch my Bai family!"
Her voice trembled with both rage and relief.
By then, Bai Yang and Bai Xin had been called back from playing, their innocent laughter dying the moment they saw the tension. Chu Sun's eyes glistened as she tried to hold herself together. Though she'd always valued family, part of her heart was glad. Maybe this was their chance to start anew — away from scolding, insults, and endless humiliation.
As they packed their few belongings, Bai Xuan hummed softly, in contrast of the mood. Bai Xin and Bai Yang smiled brightly, sensing the freedom ahead. Bai Xia, was quietly thrilled — her plan had gone exactly as she intended.
When they finally came out again, Bai Sung had already signed the separation papers. The air felt strangely light, as though a heavy curse had been lifted from his shoulders.
The village chief closed the book and said gravely, "From this day onward, Bai Sung's household will no longer be under Madam Bai's name. Each will bear their own burdens."
A collective murmur ran through the villagers.
Bai Sung turned to the debt collectors, ready to offer compensation, but before he could speak—
"Wait!"
Bai Xia's clear voice rang through the courtyard.
Everyone turned toward her.
"Big brother," she addressed Zhao Hu calmly, "you said my father's brother-in-law borrowed the money, right? Then there must be a signature on your loan book. Let us see it. If the man could give you our address, he's from this village — which means we can find him."
For a second, the crowd went silent. Then murmurs rippled through the air.
Zhao Hu narrowed his eyes, intrigued. "You want to see the signature?"
"Yes," Bai Xia replied steadily. "If it's truly someone related to us, we'll recognize the handwriting."
The villagers exchanged glances. A few even nodded in agreement — it sounded reasonable enough.
But among them, Bai Lan's face turned pale. His throat went dry, and his heart began to pound painfully in his chest. He hadn't expected anyone to demand proof. His mind raced. Did he sign with the same handwriting? Did he change it enough each time?
He tried to speak, but Bai Xia was faster.
"Village Chief," she said, bowing slightly, "please, compare the signature in their loan book with the household registration signatures. I'm certain it belongs to someone in the village."
The chief nodded thoughtfully. "A fair request."
But just as he reached for the loan book, angry voices erupted from the crowd.
"How dare you accuse someone from our village, little girl?!"
"She's too bold! Does she think we're all gamblers?"
"If there's a problem, look inside your own family first!"
"That's right! Bai Sung's family has been acting strange lately — new clothes, new pots!"
"I bet it's them trying to shift the blame!"
"Humph! Always pretending to be innocent — maybe she's protecting her father's secret!"
"What nonsense! Even if someone borrowed money, do you think it's one of us?"
"My husband works in the fields every day! We don't even have time to visit the town!"
"Check your own family's names first!"
"Such a sharp tongue for a young girl!"
"If it wasn't them, then why are they so nervous?"
"You can tell by her tone, she's trying to stir up trouble!"
"Village Chief, there's no need to compare — it's obviously their doing!"
"Exactly! Look at Madam Bai's tears — she wouldn't lie about her own son!"
"I've known the three Bai brothers for years! they wouldn't dare go to a casino!"
"Bah, this family always brings disaster. The village should've cut ties long ago!"
"Enough, girl! Stop talking nonsense!"
"Chief! Make her apologize to the villagers!"
"Who does she think she is to accuse everyone like this?!"
---
The courtyard buzzed with furious shouts. Even the children watching from the fence looked frightened by the noise.
Bai Xia, however, stood her ground, eyes calm and unyielding. The faint curve on her lips made her look almost untouchable — like someone who already knew the outcome.
The village chief finally raised his hand. "Silence!" His voice cut through the uproar like thunder. The crowd fell quiet, though their faces still burned with anger.
"Enough of this bickering," the chief said sharply. "No one here is above suspicion. The truth lies in the ink — not in words."
He took the loan book from Zhao Hu's subordinate and set it beside the Bai family's registration book on the stone table.
The villagers leaned closer, holding their breath as the chief began to compare the handwriting stroke by stroke. The courtyard grew so quiet that even the rustling of leaves could be heard.
After a long pause, the village chief's brows furrowed deeply. His eyes widened in disbelief as he glanced toward Bai Lan.
"These signatures…" he said slowly, his voice trembling with shock. "…they belong to Bai Lan."
Gasps exploded around the courtyard.
Madam Bai's face went pale as paper.
Bai Lan staggered back a step, his mouth opening and closing without a word.
Bai Xia simply smiled — cold, knowing, and satisfied
Let's see how he escapes this time.....