"I'm not dead yet!" Xu Zhong heard the words "household division," and though he just thought he hit a bit too hard, now he wished he could slap again.
Grandma Xu hurriedly grabbed Xu Zhong, signaling him with her eyes.
"Qinghe's wife, no matter how upset you are, you shouldn't say things like that." Grandma Xu stepped forward, her sharp and bitter face showing a worried expression as she said, "Let's talk things out properly. Old man, there's no way the two children can't go to school. Since Nian'an is willing to give up the school spot for Nianhua, then let Nianhua go to school."
"I don't agree."
Xu Nianhua staggered in with her sick body. After the teacup was smashed, Xu Nianhua had been awoken by the noise. Her fever hadn't subsided yet, she felt weak, walked slowly, and when she heard the sound of a slap, blood seemed to rush in her veins.
The stepmother with a kind face but evil heart—she's just trying in every way to force their whole family to support Second Uncle's family!
Ji Ying, after hearing Liu Sanmei's tirade, was just thinking about how to respond when she heard Xu Nianhua's voice. Turning around and seeing Xu Nianhua's frail body that looked as if a gust of wind could knock her down, she felt an overwhelming heartache. She got up quickly and supported Xu Nianhua, saying, "Why did you get up? Your fever hasn't gone down yet."
Ji Ying reached out and touched her forehead. It was so hot it burned her hand.
"Mom, did Grandpa hit you?"
Xu Nianhua didn't answer. Her thin face and those big round almond-shaped eyes stared at Ji Ying's slapped face—five angry red fingerprints, swollen and inflamed.
"No, it was just an accident." Ji Ying instinctively explained.
Xu Nianhua looked over at Xu Qinghe and said, "Dad, what do you have to say?"
Being looked at by his daughter's bright and clear eyes, Xu Qinghe felt a little guilty. He didn't dare meet Xu Nianhua's gaze. He lowered his head, avoiding her eyes, and said, "Dad, I haven't accomplished much in my life. The eldest isn't cut out for studying and works at the brick factory. Working himself to death, he only earns thirty bucks a month."
Xu Qinghe took a deep breath, raised his head, looked at Xu Zhong, and firmly expressed his attitude: "The second and third kids have always done well in school. Even if I have to sell everything, I'll support those two siblings so they can go to school."
The room fell silent.
Xu Zhong sat on the chair, his bell-like eyes fixed fiercely on Xu Qinghe.
Grandma Xu, Liu Sanmei, sat beside them, eyes cast downward.
Second Uncle Xu Qingjiang and Second Aunt Zhao Juxiang had always acted like outsiders, just sitting there, saying nothing.
Xu Zhiyuan had gone to the county with Xu Jiaojiao to find their big brother Xu Zhihao after the college entrance exam.
Xu Nianhua was forcibly sat in a chair, Ji Ying sat beside her, and Xu Nian'an stood nearby on guard, ready for anything.
"Useless."
Xu Zhong glared at Xu Qinghe, this son who only ever worked the land. He hated that iron couldn't become steel. Pointing at Xu Qinghe, he said, "If I were you, and my wife dared bring up divorce, I'd break her legs."
Grandma Xu, Liu Sanmei, immediately shot him a glare when she heard that.
Xu Zhong cleared his throat and raised his voice: "What kind of wife uses divorce as a threat? If you want to go, just go. You think the Xu Family can't live without you?"
Hearing those words, Ji Ying felt her heart ache even worse.
"As long as I'm alive, don't even think about dividing up the family!" Xu Zhong's natural loud voice, plus those big bell-like eyes, made him look even more imposing.
The room fell silent again. Xu Qinghe and Xu Qingjiang had grown up under Xu Zhong's oppressive authority and didn't dare make a sound now.
"Grandpa." Xu Nianhua suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.