CHAPTER 412: CHAPTER 311: LIN FAMILY TURMOIL 1

"Jiao Jiao, did you remember? When your eldest aunt and uncle come back, have them come to the house. Grandpa said that your little aunt and uncle will also be present tonight. Can you guess what it is?" Lin Xuezhen asked with a furrowed brow.

Zhou Jiao, holding her child, casually replied, "Younger generation shouldn’t be present; it must be a big issue. Probably something good."

"Do you think it might be about elder sister’s marriage? Could the Yang Family have backed out? I haven’t seen much of her around these past few days; it must be about her marriage." Lin Xuezhen speculated wildly.

Zhou Jiao smiled without answering. A matter involving Lin Xuelin wouldn’t alarm two sons-in-law. If her guess was right, it was because the old man found out about the family’s debt, and this was probably his way of giving her father an explanation. Since Li Jianjun, the youngest son-in-law, was invited, he was likely to lightly apologize. But what use was that explanation?

Zhou Xiaozheng returned home after work to find out that Mr. Lin had summoned them as a couple. He smiled at Zhou Jiao, and both father and daughter understood perfectly that they would just hear a few pleasantries.

When Lin Lishan asked about the matter, they didn’t explain and said they’d find out once there.

This time, Zhou Jiao prepared dinner early, ensuring that the anxious Lin Lishan ate with them before going. If she guessed right, the Lin Family would probably wait for the guests to arrive before starting dinner.

That day, Zhang Guoqing went out to visit the Liu Zhang family, who had returned to Beijing. Sometimes fate is just so peculiar. Who would have thought Liu Zhang and Cheng Sijin would be old friends?

Zhou Jiao watched her parents leave and stayed home alone to care for the baby.

In the Lin Family’s living room, Lin Aiguo, Lin Aidang, and Lin Liyin, all waited with their spouses for a long time. Except for Lin Dingsheng’s three brothers, the girls avoided staying outside in the rooms.

When Mr. Lin saw Lin Lishan and her husband arrive, he returned to the room to call out Mrs. Lin, and they both came to the living room.

Zhou Xiaozheng declined the Lin Family brothers’ offer to sit, sat down next to Li Jianjun, and heard the other’s stomach growling. He slightly curved his mouth downward, thinking only the Lin Family would have such a way of hospitality.

When Mrs. Lin came out, she kept her face cold and her head down, saying nothing.

The old man beside her cheerfully said, "Everyone’s here. I called you back today to announce a few things.

First, our Xiao Lin and the Yang Family have finalized their engagement after the fifteenth of the first lunar month, and they’ll be married in February. Remember to come for the drinks then.

Second, the eldest and Xiao Zheng are home, which is the happiest thing for our family. After all these years, we can finally enjoy a reunion dinner.

Now that we’ve had the reunion dinner, and since the second child and your spouse are home, Dad will separate the family today. Speaking of separation, there’s actually no property to divide. Speaking of separation, here I want to mention Shanshan and her husband’s contributions to the family. You brothers and sisters-in-law and nephews must remember their kindness in the future."

Zhou Xiaozheng noticed that no one reacted after he finished speaking. He did not interject, simply waiting quietly for them to wrap things up quickly. Spending time chattering here was less worthwhile than going back to rest.

Mr. Lin observed everyone’s reaction and sighed inwardly.

He continued, "Shanshan, Dad is ashamed toward you. You all know the family’s situation; your family’s money won’t be repaid by us old couple anytime soon. Your mother’s idea is not to mention repayment; she plans to move some things from her private collection for you. It’s a token of her intention; what do you think?"

Zhou Xiaozheng looked around at their expressions and pulled at his wife to stop her from speaking, saying, "Dad, don’t bring up that money again in the future. Just take it as a tribute from us as a couple to you and everyone. Do you have any other matters? If not, we’ll leave first."

"Hey, don’t leave in a hurry. This money can’t just be left unsettled. If you don’t accept the items, then I’ll have to give all my salary to Shanshan..."

Before he could finish, Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head and said, "If you still recognize me as your son-in-law, don’t mention these things again. Continue with any other matters."

Lin Lishan had been pulling on him from behind, but he reassured her with a pat.

If they genuinely intended to repay, would they need the old man to bring it up publicly? Moreover, he wasn’t blind to see Gu Ruyi’s unwillingness, with her head lowered, nor did the Lin brothers voice agreement. He wished they wouldn’t repay the money, as having this leverage would minimize future entanglements with the Lin Family.

Mr. Lin looked at him hesitantly, saw his firm expression, and then Lin Lishan’s unhappy face. He couldn’t keep smiling. He glanced at his eldest grandson, hoping the child could say something pleasing to break the deadlock.