In the main hall, Zhao Tielin and his younger brother competed in smoking, neither speaking.
Zhao Tielin was also annoyed by his second brother's impulsiveness. The key was that he was too young and unreliable. It was fine for him to beat someone up, as long as it was in a secluded place. Even if he had beaten Xie Sui to death, they could have found a way to cover it up. But now that he had been sent to the police station, they were in a passive position.
"What did Youliang say?"
Zhao Tiegang spoke first. Arguing with Xie Sui was a small matter; the important thing was to get the person out first.
"It's just a public disturbance, and there are no serious injuries. The problem is getting Xie Sui to sign a letter of understanding. As long as Xie Sui doesn't pursue it, he won't go to jail."
Zhao Tielin had been a captain for many years and had acquaintances in the county. He was familiar with the police station's procedures.
"A letter of understanding? Alas, that's difficult. That kid Xie Sui is not an easy person. You're probably going to have to bleed heavily."
"No matter the cost, Xiao Liang cannot go to jail, nor can he have a criminal record."
Zhao Tiegang understood. He stood up and prepared to leave. "I'll go talk to Xie Sui and try to persuade him. I won't say much more. If you guys keep doing this, it puts me, the village chief, in a very difficult position. If there's no way to reconcile with Xie Sui, I'll have to resign and stop being this sandwiched."
Zhao Tielin was furious. "Look at your timid self. When I was the captain, who in the village dared not obey me? If you had the authority of a village chief, you could deal with anyone who defied you. Our Zhao family isn't powerless!"
Zhao Tiegang was speechless. "Can things be the same as before? The higher-ups will investigate, and we have to be recognized as a civilized village. We'll have elections later. If I act like that, I won't be far from death."
Zhao Tielin fell silent, still disagreeing with him. As long as the methods were ruthless enough, he wasn't afraid of them not obeying.
The brothers always had their differences. Zhao Tiegang focused on the immediate issue and went to Xie Sui's house.
Xie Sui hadn't slept. He knew Zhao Tiegang was coming, and negotiations would follow.
Zhao Tiegang, seeing Xie Sui's confident demeanor, his smile stiffened. "Xiao Sui, you're not sleeping yet?"
"I'm waiting for Uncle Zhao to come. Sit, have some tea. I'm injured and can't drink with you."
Zhao Tiegang drank some tea, his face contorting with bitterness. It tasted even worse than alcohol.
"Let's be direct. I've treated you well before. Just give me face, and let's settle this matter, shall we?"
"Okay, I know you're a straightforward person, Uncle. Having such an older brother must be tough for you. I won't beat around the bush. The Zhao family has a tractor. I want it."
"A tractor?"
"That's right, a tractor. I'll need it for deliveries or other uses later. I was planning to buy one from the county, but since the Zhao family is offering one, I'll take it."
Zhao Tiegang: "..."
So they were bringing him wealth?
"I'll give you an answer tomorrow. I'll go and ask."
"Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Zhao. Also, make it clear to Zhao Tielin, no tricks. If the tractor can't be driven, or if parts are missing, I won't let them off the hook."
Xie Sui wasn't foolish. If Zhao Tielin dismantled the engine and gave him an empty shell, was he running a scrap metal business?
Zhao Tiegang sighed. This child had suddenly become so clever. He was even a little afraid. If this continued, the small village would certainly not be able to contain him.
If it weren't for the trouble caused by his elder brother's family, Zhao Tiegang would have liked to support Xie Sui. He saw hope in Xie Sui when he thought about him leading the entire village to prosperity.
Zhao Tielin saw him return so quickly. "How much money does he want?"
"He doesn't want money."
Zhao Tielin was puzzled. Was Xie Sui that accommodating?
"He wants your family's tractor, complete, with no missing parts. If anything is short..."
Zhao Tielin's eyes widened. He never imagined that Xie Sui would set his sights on their family's tractor.
"This little brat, he really dares to think big!"