Sensing that the atmosphere in the hall was off, Shen Xin'an quickly spoke up. "Come on, everyone, calm down. The food's ready. Let's all sit down and eat."
Jun Wangchen and Shen Luoying exchanged a glance and let the matter drop, taking their seats with everyone else.
Shen Licheng and his wife, however, did not join them. After casting a lingering, apprehensive glance at Jun Wangchen's back, Shen Licheng said quietly to Shen Xin'an, "Brother, we actually came back today to ask you for a favor."
"Hm?" Shen Xin'an paused, then asked in confusion, "What is it?"
Shen Licheng hesitated before finally taking out a contract. "Here's the thing. They're demolishing buildings and putting in a road in Baijia Town, and the route happens to run through our Back Hill. To keep building, they either have to clear a path through Back Hill or go around it.
I'm currently a supervisor at Lai's Demolition Company. If I can get our Back Hill cleared for them, it'll save the company a huge amount of money. Then I'll be promoted to manager.
Brother, could you sign this paper and help me out? Don't worry, you'll definitely get your share of the money!"
"No!" Shen Xin'an shook his head almost reflexively, his stance firm.
"Our parents are buried on Back Hill. How could we let anyone dig it up?"
Shen Licheng seemed to have expected this reaction and continued trying to negotiate. "Brother, I understand how you feel, but Mom and Dad have been dead for years. Their bodies have probably rotted away by now. Leaving Back Hill unused is a waste.
Don't worry. As long as you agree, I'll make sure the company gives you fair compensation. It'll be at least—"
"Enough!" Before Shen Licheng could finish, Shen Xin'an's face turned icy,