I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s

It was past five in the evening when Shen Meng borrowed Li Qianqian's motorcycle to visit Lu Family Village. Upon reaching the Lu Family Old Mansion, Lu Changzhu and Liu Sanjin were already waiting at the doorstep.

Seeing their somewhat hunched backs, Shen Meng was momentarily stunned.

"The wind is strong tonight, why are you waiting here? Stay inside the house!"

"Is there news about Lao Si? Do you know anything about Lao Si?"

Liu Sanjin staggered towards Shen Meng, but afraid of getting too close to the motorcycle, she didn't dare to approach further.

"Let's go inside, we need to talk privately."

Just as Liu Sanjin wanted to inquire further, Lu Changzhu grabbed her arm. She was anxious, but seeing neighbors opening their doors to look, she quickly followed the old man inside.

Wang Lianhua was just off work, and upon passing the Lu Family Old Mansion, she saw Shen Meng.

"Xiao Meng is back. Have you eaten?"

"Not yet, I'll head back soon, Sister Lianhua."

"Then come to my place later, I'll make you a bowl of hot soup noodles, okay?"

Shen Meng responded with an "Ay," thinking it was a good chance to have a chat and gather more information, so visiting was no issue. Wang Lianhua, seeing her agreement, quickly walked home.

Sitting in the hall were Lu Changzhu and Liu Sanjin, both pairs of eyes fixed on Shen Meng, who didn't intend to hide anything.

"This afternoon, I inquired a bit, and indeed, there's some news. However, no one has seen him. Right now, Lu Jiaxuan's matter is still under investigation, and no one can see him. Don't worry, Zhenping had asked around before, but the situation was kept confidential, and he couldn't find anything out. I happened to be told secretly by a youngster I had helped. You want to see Lu Jiaxuan, but it might take another half month."

"What? Why? Why half a month? You should plead with the leaders, Zhenping's wife. We should try giving gifts, plead for leniency, lower ourselves a bit, and tell them Jiaxuan is a good kid. He wouldn't even hurt an ant, he couldn't possibly do anything bad. Please plead with them!"

Lu Changzhu's face turned pale, seeing Shen Meng's expressionless face, probably figuring that Lao Si indeed got into trouble.

"Don't worry about us, just tell us what happened!"

"I initially didn't plan to tell you since knowing might not be good for you given your age. But keeping you in the dark won't settle your minds. Two months ago, a brother from Sai Jinhua's family, who's the finance director in the township, was targeted. His wife secretly reported him for misconduct and assault. When caught, he boasted loudly at the police station about having powerful connections. The county police chief is newly appointed and cracking down hard, so they watched him closely. He was released after a few days, but later they found he was spending lavishly. Following his trail, they targeted Sai Jinhua and discovered her affair with Lu Jiaxuan. They even had a private villa in town. A village chief entangled with a finance director's scandal quickly alerted the investigators, and once they confirmed Lu Jiaxuan's involvement, it was handed over to the provincial disciplinary committee. If it reached the provincial level, the implications could be serious."

Though Shen Meng finished speaking, Liu Sanjin remained in a stupefied state.

"What, what do you mean, Zhenping's wife? You're saying Lao Si has someone outside? That's not a big deal, right? He's a grown man and a village chief, many women must be after him. I've seen that Sai Jinhua; she's alluring but definitely not a good person. She must have seduced Jiaxuan. Zhenping's wife, you must explain clearly to the leaders; it's not Jiaxuan's fault!"

"What do we do? Zhenping's wife, tell dad what might happen if Lao Si is convicted?"

"Convict what? Lao Si hasn't committed any crime, just messed around with a woman or spent some money frivolously, it's definitely that vixen's fault. It has nothing to do with Jiaxuan. Old man, are you muddled? Jiaxuan was always the most obedient since childhood; it can't be his fault."

Lu Changzhu felt deeply distressed as Lao Si was, apart from Old Lu Zhenping, the most excellent son, always obedient and sensible since childhood. The thought of him really being in trouble could be life-draining.

Liu Sanjin sobbed miserably, wondering what sin had caused the family to fall into such a state.

"Don't make a fuss, listen to Zhenping's wife. She's been running around all afternoon and hasn't had a bite to eat. Her children are waiting for her at home; stop making it harder for her. If you're upset, lie down in your room."

"I won't leave; I need to know what will happen to Jiaxuan. Oh, my son, my doomed son!"

"We don't know yet, but it might be severe. If you want to help Lao Si, later ask Zhou Jiaojiao. She's Lao Si's wife and might know something about his situation. In any case, you must return the money that shouldn't belong to him; it's the only way to save Lao Si. If not, he might spend a lifetime in jail, and worse, he could lose his life."

"What?"

Liu Sanjin staggered, almost fainting, but luckily Lu Changzhu supported her.

"What about Lao Er? With such a big matter happening, hasn't Lao Er come home?"

"Ay, Lao Er is out playing cards every day or with that Liu woman, he hasn't been home for several days."

Shen Meng raised her brows, looking at the aged couple, thinking silently that they deserved it but kept the thought to herself as they were Lu Zhenping's elders.

"I'll ask Sister Lianhua to send some food to you later, eat and rest earlier. Tomorrow, try to find Zhou Jiaojiao and see if there's any extra money to return quickly. Reducing the charges is better done early than late."

Lu Changzhu understood this, but since Lao Si was taken away, Lao Si's wife's demeanor suddenly became arrogant, even being fierce to the two kids, directly packed up and moved to the county, clearly intending to sever ties.

"Yes, Zhenping's wife, you're right. That foul woman didn't consider rescuing Jiaxuan in his time of need, but left with the kids. Heartless thing. Tomorrow when I go to the county, I'll surely deal with her. I'll take Lao Er and the third son along, everyone must go. Zhenping's wife, you too so she doesn't dare act up in front of our Lu Family."

Shen Meng: "....."

What is this old lady talking about, even wanting me to go. I've already been kind enough by coming this far, haven't I?