Part 3Harvest of Betrayal

The next day, as I was preparing to go out, people came into the yard.

Mason led the way, followed by seven or eight young men from the village.

They held sticks in their hands, their expressions unkind.

My parents stood under the eaves, cowering to the side.

Mason spat out a mouthful of smoke.

"Hand over all the livestream account passwords, client contact info, and channel information."

I frowned.

"Aren't you going to livestream yourselves? Open your own accounts."

"Bullshit!"

Mason narrowed his eyes.

"Your account says 'Greenridge Fresh Fruit,' so it belongs to Greenridge! Also, disband that team group of yours."

My team had six people, all of whom had been with me for a long time.

We filmed together during the day and discussed operations at night.

We were like family.

I objected unhappily.

"That's my group, it has nothing to do with you."

"Are you kidding?"

Mason suddenly raised his voice.

"From now on, the team is under my control!"

In the yard, my six team members were pushed into a row.

The youngest was only eighteen, and they all had slap marks on their faces.

I clenched my fists in anger.

"How can you hit people! This is illegal!"

Mason laughed.

"Go sue me then. Who will testify for you?"

He grabbed my collar.

"Hand over the info, or I won't be polite!"

The villagers on the side shouted.

"Hand it over! Hand it over!"

Looking at them, I felt utterly chilled.

Burning the bridge after crossing it, indeed.

My mother persuaded me with teary eyes.

"Caleb, just hand it over. Don't go against everyone."

My father's face was livid.

"His info is on the computer. Just grab it!"

I looked up at him in shock.

Not only did he not help me, but he also joined outsiders to rob me.

Mason shoved me away and waved his hand.

"Grab his computer and smash his filming equipment!"

They swarmed into my room.

Cameras were smashed against the wall, lenses shattering.

Computers were unplugged, hard drives ripped out.

I rushed over to stop them.

Mason swung a stick, hitting me squarely on the back. I fell to my knees in pain.

"Keep smashing!"

Mason stood at the door, holding my hard drive, sneering.

I looked up and saw my parents standing outside the door.

My father's lips moved, but he said nothing in the end.

My mother was crying but didn't come in.

Everything was smashed, the floor a mess.

Finally, Mason walked over.

"Account passwords, say them now!"

I slowly stood up, the pain in my back making it hard to straighten up.

"Let them go first."

I looked at my team members.

Mason thought for a moment.

"Fine."

The six young people were released. They looked at me, eyes red.

"Go on, go home."

I had disappointed them after all.

For their safety, I couldn't take them with me anymore.

I hope this won't affect their original intention of "poverty alleviation and aiding farmers."

The team members couldn't bear it, but they left.

Now, only Mason's men and my parents remained in the yard.

I recited all the accounts and passwords in one breath.

Mason had someone log in and verify them on the spot, then nodded with satisfaction.

"You're smart."

He patted my face.

"One more thing. You have to apologize to the whole village."

I frowned.

"What am I apologizing for?"

"You engaged in all this flashy nonsense and corrupted the atmosphere!"

Mason's voice was loud.

"Now none of the young people in the village want to farm properly. They all want to film videos and become influencers! Isn't this your fault?"

The villagers watching outside the yard began to agree.

"Exactly! My kid is on his phone all day now!"

"Not practical! Corrupting the children!"

Listening to these accusations, I suddenly laughed.

"A year ago, when you begged for my help, you didn't say that."

"Still dare to talk back?"

Mason slapped me hard.

It was heavy.

I tasted blood in my mouth.

"Kneel! Apologize to the folks! Say you're sorry to Greenridge! Sorry to the clan!"

I stood still.

"Did you hear me!"

Mason was about to strike again.

At this moment, my father suddenly rushed in.

"Ungrateful son! Kneel!"

He pressed down on my shoulders.

I looked at him in shock.

"Dad?"

"Kneel!"

My father's eyes were red.

"Apologize to Mason! Apologize to the whole village! Our family can't afford this shame!"

My mother also came in, crying and pulling me.

"Caleb, just give in..."

In the yard, villagers formed a circle.

Some were silent, some sneered, some pointed.

"See, studying made him stupid."

"Deserves it. Should have been dealt with long ago."

My knees were forced down by my father, the wound on my back hurting even more.

I looked at my father's calloused hands, hands that once carried me on his shoulders.

Now, he was forcing me to kneel to those who humiliated me.

I said word by word.

"I. Won't. Kneel."

My father raised his hand and slapped me.

Harder than Mason.

"Kneel!"

I looked at him, suddenly finding him very strange.

In the end, I knelt.

Not out of submission.

But because my heart died.

Mason smiled triumphantly.

"Should have done this sooner. Remember, in Greenridge, you have no say. Get out."