chapter 19 The storm on birthday

Boom!
The sound of drums reverberated, accompanied by the drummer's announcement: "The auspicious moment has arrived; please take your seats!"
Hearing this, everyone hurried towards the central gathering.
Today, the elderly man, who had just entered his nineties, was assisted by his son as he made his way to the banquet table.
The elderly man addressed the assembled neighbors and friends with a warm smile, "After all these years, there's no need to be so formal, folks. Take your seats!"
Upon hearing the elderly man's words, everyone quickly found their places.
While other tables were filled with guests, the one where William Lin sat had only three occupants.
Once everyone was seated, the emcee began, "Ladies and gentlemen, as the saying goes, 'Life at seventy is rare, at eighty, it's a blessing.' Today, our elder celebrates his remarkable ninetieth birthday. It's an honor for me to host this banquet, not only for me but for all of us. Now, let's invite the birthday star to say a few words."
With that, the emcee handed the microphone to the elderly man.
The elderly man, looking almost childlike, touched his remaining white beard and spoke shyly, "I don't have much to say, just wishing all of us a better life ahead."
"Well said, old man." the emcee chimed in. "Let's bask in the good fortune of our birthday star and make our future days even brighter. Let's continue the tradition of our village, upholding the virtues of respect for the elderly and love for the young!"
Just as the emcee was about to continue, a figure stood up and spoke, "Those words are flawless, but it seems like some folks have already tarnished the village's reputation."
Everyone turned to see that it was Luca Zhang who had spoken, and his gaze was fixed on William Lin.
As it turned out, Luca Zhang had rushed to the small hospital in town, only to be informed by the doctor after the diagnosis that his brother's hand couldn't be saved."
"Knowing it was the elderly man's birthday, Luca Zhang approached the celebration with a curious mindset to see if William Lin had the audacity to attend. To his surprise, there he was.
Earlier, he had observed William Lin and Susan Su laughing and chatting outside, but the memory of his two younger brothers sobbing uncontrollably at the hospital that afternoon fueled his anger. So, when he heard the topic raised, he wasted no time in taking a jab at William.
Everyone present turned their attention towards William's direction upon hearing Luca's words.
Luca Zhang first paid his respects to the elderly man with a bow and then continued speaking, "Young man, let me begin by wishing the elderly man a long and prosperous life. Although it's the elderly man's special day, I wouldn't normally say this, but I'm a straightforward person, and I can't keep this to myself."
"I believe the elderly man won't hold it against me. As the emcee said, respecting elders and loving the young are virtues we should uphold. However, there are some who have done deeds that have angered both man and God."
"After cozying up to a wealthy woman, you kicked your girlfriend to the curb and even humiliated her with your newfound riches. She was so devastated that she considered ending her own life. Isn't that right, William Lin?"
Before Luca could finish his statement, William's mother couldn't bear it any longer. Disregarding the fact that it was the elderly man's birthday, she abruptly stood up and retorted, "You stop spouting nonsense! My son has never done such things!"
"What's the matter? You're daring to accuse but not daring to admit it? Are you even a man, William Lin? You had to rely on your mom to defend you; you've truly tarnished your father's reputation!"
William managed to pull his mother back to her seat and whispered, "Mom, don't worry. I'll handle this. I'll make sure everyone knows the truth."
Upon hearing her son's reassurance, William's mother's emotions began to calm down slightly.
William was genuinely surprised by how articulate Luca Zhang was. It seemed that twisting his younger brother's hand hadn't been enough punishment for him.
Luca's words ignited a fire among the attendees, and the room buzzed with accusations against William.
William's abandonment of his girlfriend after striking it rich and his subsequent actions were widely known not only in their village but also in neighboring villages. Seeing Luca Zhang speak out here without any immediate rebuttal from William seemed to confirm the accusations.
"That's right, he's not only tarnishing his father's reputation but also our village's reputation. People from neighboring villages now look down on us."
"Absolutely true! Our village used to have a great reputation, but now, thanks to him, people from other villages won't even look us in the eye anymore."
"I don't think someone like him should be in our village. We should get rid of him quickly. How can he shamelessly attend the old man's birthday celebration? Isn't he embarrassed?"
The emcee had never encountered such a situation and didn't expect it to happen at the birthday celebration. However, he was professionally trained, and he quickly regained his composure, saying,
"Today is the old man's birthday. Let's be quiet for now. We can discuss other matters later. The old man's birthday is the most important event today."
"Why should we wait? I think it's better to address this matter during the old man's birthday celebration. Everyone is here, and the old man can make a decision!" Luca Zhang objected, becoming increasingly agitated. He wasn't willing to let this matter go so easily.
The emcee looked at the old man with an embarrassed expression.
The old man spoke, "Please, everyone, quiet down and let me say a few words, alright?"
As soon as the old man spoke, the room fell silent.
"As for the authenticity of this matter, we still don't know for sure. However, we have witnessed the character of William Lin's father, and William Lin himself has grown up before our eyes. I believe William Lin wouldn't commit such acts."
"Now that William Lin is here, let him explain himself. If he has indeed done these things, then our small village can't tolerate him."
Listening to the old man's words, William Lin finally felt a sense of relief. He didn't want anyone to help him, but he also didn't want people to attack him without reason. He could handle it, but his mother couldn't.
William Lin slowly stood up, respectfully bowed to the old man, and said, "Thank you, Grandfather, for your trust. I won't disappoint you. This is a sad matter, and I didn't want to bring it up, but some people seem unwilling to let it go."
William Lin continued, looking at Zhao's Mother.
Zhao's Mother, upon seeing William Lin's gaze, suddenly stood up, pointed at William Lin, and scolded, "What do you mean by that? Are you implying that I slandered you? My son told me all about what you did. I must have been blind to let my son become friends with you."
Seeing Zhao's Mother's demeanor, William Lin wore a bitter expression, then slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.
After unlocking his phone, William Lin said, "I initially wanted to save face for all of us given the occasion, but since it has come to this, I'll satisfy you."
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