CHAPTER 28: CHAPTER 28: HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD

Gu Ruhai was at a loss for words; it was the first time Li Xuemei complained like this, and she did it so bluntly, hitting Gu Ruhai right in the face. For so many years, Li Xuemei had almost always followed whatever Gu Ruhai said. Even when she felt wronged, Li Xuemei always bore it in silence.

Gu Ruhai always thought his wife was someone who readily complied with everything, but this time he was completely stunned.

It was unbelievable that the person throwing these words at him was Li Xuemei; Gu Ruhai really couldn’t accept it.

Everything of so many years seemed to suddenly break in an instant.

"You, you..."

Gu Ruhai didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t very eloquent to begin with, and now with Li Xuemei speaking so bluntly, Gu Ruhai stayed with his mouth open for a long time, only to utter a single word.

Li Xuemei had been holding back a bellyful of words, ready to speak out. For so many years, she hadn’t felt it before, but after what happened at her parents’ house this time, plus what Gu Xiaoqing said, and now with this incident happening at home.

Li Xuemei realized that the kind-hearted are bullied, just as gentle horses are ridden.

In this world, people bully the kind and fear the wicked. Just see today, if Xiaoqing hadn’t fought desperately to break the facade and brought everyone here, they would have suffered in silence at home.

His grandparents could come over and say Xiaoqing shouldn’t go to school, on what grounds?

It’s because they were shielded by the incompetence of the parents.

There’s no ability to protect their own children.

Is someone else’s child precious while theirs is like grass?

Look, even though the whole village saw the commotion, the loss of face wasn’t only theirs. Didn’t the second child and the old man & woman also end up losing face? Now, they dare not say unreasonable things, right?

Now, they leave in shame; why is that?

Isn’t it because Xiaoqing stood firm this time, saying that no matter what, she wouldn’t agree to not attending school to accommodate Gu Xiaocheng?

A twelve-year-old child dares to fight for herself; being this old, why can’t she? They say motherhood makes one strong.

What kind of mother is she?

A mother who can’t protect her own children, is she even a mother?

So, Li Xuemei has silently made a decision: no matter what Gu Ruhai thinks, she is determined to protect the children well.

The days can’t continue like this.

Moreover, these past two days, Li Xuemei has seen that Gu Xiaoqing is also strong and smart, so the household doesn’t necessarily need to rely on Gu Ruhai.

If Gu Ruhai can’t stand tall, then let her own daughter stand tall.

She isn’t afraid of people talking.

As long as life is good, let others say what they will.

"The kids’ dad, don’t mind me saying something unpleasant, but if it’s unpleasant yet reasonable, shouldn’t you listen? All these years, the kids have been following you, suffering so much grievance. You see it, but you just don’t care, why?

That’s because you say you want to honor your parents. But aren’t we also some people’s parents? Did these kids do anything wrong? Why should they have to pay the price for your desire to be filial?

If you want to be filial, then you can live on your own later; we three will live our own lives, and we’ll have peace, sparing us from these constant troubles.

All these years, even if you’ve been the eldest sibling, isn’t it enough? Haven’t you taken care of your younger siblings enough?

They’ve all settled down. Who among them doesn’t live better than you yet still expect your care? Living life like this, have any of your brothers ever looked out for you?

So yeah, I think Xiaoqing has a strong character; today I’m making it clear. This child running the household is a decision I’ve made as a mother, and I’ll stand by it. If I can’t uphold a household, then my daughter can, and I’m happy to let her. No matter how it turns out, it’ll be better than it is now."

Gu Ruhai felt hurt inside.

Those words hit directly into his heart.

Yeah, living life like this, not once did the second or third brothers ever offer to look after him, he treated them like brothers, but who ever treated him as a brother?

It’s not that his wife doesn’t want to, is there really no resentment in his own heart?

He’s been a coward all his life, and he can’t let his children follow behind living as cowards for a lifetime.

Seeing other families living well, with his two hands, and three strong workers in the family laboring, why can’t they live better? It’s not that he’s lazy, but instead of living like this, it’s because he’s soft-hearted, always listening to what his parents say, hence the life they lead.

What else is there to say?

Nodding his head, Gu Ruhai stood up and said, "Alright, mother of the children, from now on, Xiaoqing will head our household. As a father, I’m definitely not going to hold her back. Whatever work needs to be done, I’ll do it. Let’s make our living days better and support the children until they grow up."

It’s perhaps Gu Ruhai’s greatest resolution.

Gu Xiaoqing smiled, stood up, and said, "Okay, with mom and dad putting their words out here, I also can’t help but express my stance; I will not let mom and dad down. I will manage this home well, let our family live in a green brick big tile-roofed house, making sure we’re well-fed and warmly clothed. Both Xiao Jie and I will study hard, aiming for our family to have two college students, plus help find sister a good husband."

It’s probably everyone’s most extravagant wish.

Certainly, Gu Xiaoqing didn’t dare say things like living in modern houses or driving cars; if she said that, her parents wouldn’t think she’s got delusions talking nonsense.

Those modern life scenes more than ten years later are still far away, first let’s solve the current issues.

At least right now, this is what every rural person considers a happy life. Of course, Gu Xiaoqing thinks if she has the ability, she doesn’t mind guiding her family onto that true prosperous pathway.

Gu Xiaoying’s face blushed with shyness and scolded, "You little rascal, just how old are you, already talking about marriage; see if I don’t tear your mouth apart."

With that, she started to chase around the table trying to catch Gu Xiaoqing.

Gu Xiaoqing hurriedly ran in circles, her mouth still arguing, "Sis, I wasn’t wrong, you’re already eighteen, it’s time to find a good husband. Sis, don’t worry, I’ll properly manage this household, save up a good dowry for you, and definitely keep others from looking down on you."

Gu Xiaoying was so embarrassed, she wished she could scratch Gu Xiaoqing’s face, but Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai protected her, so she really couldn’t catch that slippery little eel-like kid.

Gu Xiaojie grinned watching his two sisters chase around, stuffing dumplings into his mouth not wanting to miss this opportunity.

Moreover, Gu Xiaojie heard clearly, second sister just mentioned their family wants to start a business selling steamed and fried dumplings; if not sold out, then they’ll be left for their own family to eat.

Gu Xiaojie seemed to see days filled with big bowls of dumplings.

So beautiful.

The family’s laughter spread far; neighbor Aunt Huang said to Huang Dashan, "See, when you stand firm, life turns different."

Huang Dashan said indifferently, "Why concern yourself; Brother Ruhai’s family deserves some good days too."