They had been drinking on the pawnshop roof for three days, and even Wang Mian was getting impatient. He couldn't help asking,
"Senior Brother, how long are you planning to stay here? We could've just arranged for some street ruffians to handle it. They're best at this kind of family business."
Hou Niao sighed. "Just seven days. We only need to get through the seventh day after the funeral. Today's the last day. If nothing comes up, I'll deliver the condolence money everyone chipped in to them. In the future, when you come to Jincheng, visit them more often if you have time. The children especially-Senior Brother Xiang cared about them most."
Wang Mian nodded. "I just don't understand why you didn't give them the money everyone chipped in right away, Senior Brother. As a result, they've been looking at us like we're something they scraped off their shoes..."
Fang Yazi snorted from beside him. "Senior Brother was afraid of entrusting it to the wrong person if he gave it too soon. It's a considerable sum, after all. Should he have to ask for it back?"
Wang Mian glared at him. "I understand that. But I just think that with Sister-in-law Xiang's looks, she might not be the sort to endure loneliness. Senior Brother, you're not using this money to make her agree to some condition, are you?"
Hou Niao gave a bitter smile. "Do you think I'm that stupid? How would I have time to keep an eye on her for the rest of her life? Besides, I've never believed that a young woman has to remain a widow. That goes against human nature."
Fang Yazi understood Hou Niao better than anyone. "Seven days is Senior Brother's limit for putting up with this!"
Wang Mian pursed his lips, as