Chapter 544: 544: I'll Pay You Back

Tong Xingda understood better than the Zhang Family.

In demanding silver, he was converting the debt of favour that Qiao Xiaomai owed into a monetary debt.

What kind of debt is the hardest to repay?

The answer is naturally a debt of favour.

Especially when this debt of favour includes the grace of saving a life.

That day, when Tong Sanlang had exhausted all his strength to block Cen Hong and save Qiao Xiaomai, the whole village had seen it.

With this debt of favour in place, he could ask Qiao Xiaomai to do many things and he could keep asking over and over again. As long as his demands were not excessive, he could burden her with this obligation for a lifetime.

If she pays with silver, then the balance between the Qiao Family and the Tong Family would be cleared.

He wouldn’t be foolish enough to simplify such a precious debt of favour into a monetary debt.

Qiao Xiaomai herself was a gold mine. This gold mine needed to be utilized slowly over a long period of time. He wouldn’t do something as stupid as killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

“Xiaomai, Sanlang truly wants to marry you. The two of you are a perfect match and I remember you not being repulsed by him previously. In that case, our families should become affinal, right?”

“You don’t have to repay those favours, our Tong Family will definitely treat you well. What do you think?”

The faint smile on Qiao Xiaomai’s face didn’t change, “Uncle Tong, I think it’s better to use silver as a token of appreciation.”

“So you’re wrong there. How much silver do you think you can offer to repay the grace of saving a life?”

“Also, your grandfather Tong and Sanlang helped you out of pure heart. Now, you want to tarnish this relationship with the stench of money. Xiaomai, what you’re doing is not right.” Tong Xingda, with a stern face, adopted a tone of an elder lecturing a younger one.

Qiao Xiaomai didn’t fall for his act. Shaking her index and middle finger, she said, “Two thousand taels. After this, our families will continue as before, okay?”

Two thousand taels!!!

As this number came out, not only did the Zhang Family’s eyes light up like a bulb, but their entire facial expressions also radiate ecstasy.

Previously, their total wealth was only over a thousand taels, but now Qiao Xiaomai was offering two thousand taels.

This could instantly restore their past glory!

Tong Xingda, seeing her expression, couldn’t help but step on her foot. Fool! If Tong Sanlang marries Qiao Xiaomai, they could earn ten times two thousand taels!

“Xiaomai, as I said, offering money is kind of insulting. Do you think your Grandfather Tong and Sanlang would want your silver?” He said in a profound and sincere tone.

“But please understand me too, Uncle Tong. No matter how huge the favour is, I have no intention of repaying it with my body.” Qiao Xiaomai was equally resolute.

“Why won’t you marry?”

“I’m not in a hurry, I’m still young. Besides, my father’s leg is not well, and my little brother is too young. As the pillar of this family, I have no plans to marry.”

“We’re from the same village. Even after marriage, you can still manage things at your home.” Tong Xingda looked at Qiao Changshun who had been silent since Qiao Xiaomai returned, “Changshun, wouldn’t you agree?”

Qiao Changshun rubbed his hands, smiling awkwardly, but said nothing.

The family couldn’t function without Qiao Xiaomai. He lacked Qiao Xiaomai’s decisiveness and ruthlessness.

“Uncle Tong, as you can see, my father also disagrees with me getting married now. If there’s nothing else, I would kindly ask you and your wife to leave.” Qiao Xiaomai showed them out again.

Tong Xingda thought for a moment and didn’t insist. He got up, “Alright then, give some thought to what I just said. Your grandfather Tong and Sanlang like you. We’re from the same village, marrying wouldn’t be much different from not.”

Qiao Xiaomai just smiled without saying a word.

Not much difference?

The difference was huge!

If she became related to Tong Sanlang through marriage, Zhang Family and Tong Xingda would be her elders. With the duty of filial piety on her, she would have to be more cautious in her actions.