Just as he turned to leave, Yi Zhonghai suddenly halted, a crucial matter flashing through his mind. He quickly spun around, his expression severe, and fixed his gaze squarely on Mrs. Jia.
"Old sister-in-law, let’s put the matter of Shazhu to rest; we won't speak of it again. Now that you’re back, you must follow the punishment handed down by the Police Station: you are to offer a formal apology to Xushu at the courtyard general meeting. Furthermore, you must compensate Xushu twenty yuan."
Yi Zhonghai spoke in a steady, unhurried tone. Mrs. Jia was, of course, well aware of the penalty. However, since returning to the courtyard, she had relied on the protection of Yi Zhonghai and the Deaf Old Lady. Deep down, she felt that Xushu wouldn't dare do anything serious to her, so she had long since cast these two requirements to the wind. Now that Yi Zhonghai had abruptly brought it up again, a wave of humiliation surged to her head. The mere thought that she had been sent to the detention center by Xushu and was now expected to act in a humble, fawning manner to apologize made her blood boil. She couldn't swallow this insult.
Chapter 41