Seeing Shi Da He climb out, everyone's faces twitched in unison.
One of the men closest to the well reacted quickly. He immediately pretended to slip, "accidentally" stomping hard on Shi Da He's hand still gripping the well's edge.
At the same time, he secretly exerted force through his ankle and fiercely kicked him back down into the well.
"Ow!"
A short cry of alarm came from inside the well, followed closely by a muffled splash as something heavy hit the water.
Yet the next instant, the well water splashed. Shi Da He forcefully kicked off the well wall with both feet, and with a burst of brute strength, shot back up with a whoosh, landing steadily beside the well.
He shook the muddy water from his body, splattering everyone around him.
"Second Uncle, you accidentally stepped on me just now. It really hurt."
Shi Da He raised the reddened back of his hand and looked aggrievedly at the man who had "accidentally" stepped on him. Yet there was no blame in his voice, only a simple reminder.
Among everyone present, perhaps only the victim who had been kicked into the well believed the other man had merely accidentally kicked him down.
The man called Second Uncle looked at his nephew's foolishly honest expression, glared fiercely at him in frustration, then could only let out a helpless sigh.
Seeing that the matter could no longer be concealed, he stiffened his face and said roughly to Shi Da He:
"Someone's looking for you. They said they want to thank you in person. Go over and say a few words, then hurry back and keep digging the well. Don't dawdle!"
The lame man was still worried. Before Shi Da He turned away, he quickly lowered his voice and reminded him, "You brat,