CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34: USELESS

After steadying his mind, Gu Rushan walked down with a smile and greeted Gu Ruhai: "Big brother, coming over at this hour, what’s the matter?"

He was acting as if he’d completely forgotten about yesterday’s incident.

The man’s skin is indeed thick.

Gu Xiaoqing pursed her lips, knowing her second uncle was just that type of person. He could see through her father’s honesty and lack of assertiveness, plus that bit of reluctance to put on a front, so he always assumed he could take advantage of Gu Ruhai’s nature.

However, she believed her own father wouldn’t disappoint her this time.

Gu Xiaoqing looked at Gu Ruhai with admiration.

Her father, initially having some second thoughts, felt somewhat encouraged by it.

Looking at his daughter’s expression and demeanor, seeing how confident she was in him, how could he let his child down?

Moreover, Xiaoqing was right; those who owed debts weren’t scared, so why should he, the creditor, be afraid?

He settled his heart and said calmly, "Second brother, we agreed yesterday, didn’t we? I’m here today to collect the money. You’re to pay back the loan from the past three years, a total of sixty yuan. We’re family, so I won’t charge interest—just pay the sixty, and it’s fine."

As he said those words in one breath, Gu Ruhai suddenly realized the matter wasn’t as difficult as he’d imagined. Saying it out loud was really quite easy, and most importantly, it felt truly satisfying to get the words out.

Gu Rushan had originally thought he would pretend to forget, banking on Gu Ruhai’s previous nature, which would definitely hesitate to mention such matters in front of so many outsiders. He thought he could just skate by.

After all, Gu Ruhai’s concern for the Gu Family’s reputation was thoroughly instilled by their parents; he would never let outsiders make a joke out of matters like these.

But for some unknown reason today, Gu Ruhai didn’t care about any of that, and bluntly put it out there, leaving Gu Rushan a bit dumbfounded.

He didn’t even know how to react.

All his expectations were overturned. Someone he once had complete control over was now totally out of his control, making everything unbearably intolerable.

Gu Rushan said sternly, "Brother, did you discuss this matter with our parents?"

This was to use Mr. Gu and Mrs. Gu to pin down Gu Ruhai.

After all, Gu Ruhai, being always filial, wouldn’t dare to be so brazen in front of the elderly.

Gu Rushan’s idea was quite cunning.

Before Gu Ruhai could say anything, Gu Xiaoqing spoke up, "Second Uncle, Second Aunt, didn’t Grandpa and Grandma say yesterday that from now on, they wouldn’t interfere with our affairs, and we should handle our matters ourselves, be it good or bad?"

This statement left Gu Rushan cornered. Yes, he had clearly heard those words too. Though those were words said in anger by the elderly, how could anyone say they were just angry words?

Especially now that the family was divided, unlike before when matters could be dictated by Mr. and Mrs. Gu.

Being separate families means two households. There’s no reason to drag the elderly into everything.

Gu Rushan’s eyes darted around, and he immediately put on a pitiful expression, saying, "Brother, you know I really don’t have any money right now. It’s not that your brother won’t give it to you, but your brother literally can’t gather it."

Jiang Xiulan, the Second Aunt, chimed in immediately, "Yes, Brother. All our household money has gone to pay for Gu Xiaocheng’s tuition. We truly can’t come up with so much money right now. Could you wait a bit, maybe until after we sell the grain in the fall?"

This was a strategy to buy time.

Gu Xiaoqing was genuinely amused with anger.

This Second Uncle certainly had a reason for everything.

If she hadn’t come along today, perhaps her father would have turned around and left.

Indeed, looking over, as Gu Ruhai heard those words, his face immediately reflected a bit of embarrassment and guilt.

He truly was an honest man.

A few words from others, and he was ready to walk away himself.

Just as he was about to suggest putting it off until fall,

he caught Gu Xiaoqing’s ambiguous, somewhat mocking glance, and his heart jolted. He had resolved to see this through. If things went this way, how would his daughter and wife view him?

Was he going to ignore the well-being of his own family?

Yet, Gu Ruhai didn’t want to press Gu Rushan further, rendering the situation awkward now.

Gu Xiaoqing gave Gu Ruhai a meaningful smile and stepped forward, "Second Uncle, Second Aunt, yesterday you promised in front of the team leader. At that time, you didn’t mention lacking money. Now we come, and suddenly it’s all spent on Gu Xiaocheng’s tuition.

Then I’ll have to make a trip to the team leader’s house and ask the team leader to sort this out, since he witnessed it yesterday. This whole lack of money situation, both my dad and I don’t understand; let’s ask the team leader and see if it was something settled privately between you and him yesterday."

Gu Xiaoqing turned to leave.

Gu Rushan panicked and shouted, "Stop!"

Gu Xiaoqing smiled, not fearing his raised voice.

She turned back to ask, "Second Uncle, anything else? I’ll pass it on to the team leader."

Her demeanor was so innocent, as if she purely intended to convey a message for Gu Rushan.

The onlookers had already gathered quietly at that loud shout, crouching across the door of Gu Rushan’s house, peeking inside.

Seeing those peering villagers, Gu Rushan immediately softened his stance and said gently, "Brother, Xiaoqing, let’s discuss this inside. It’s quite shameful to talk about it in the courtyard."

This was an attempt to change the setting.

Gu Xiaoqing turned and said, "Second Uncle, no need. My dad won’t stay. My dad and I will head to the team leader’s house for a bit."

You think you can obscure the situation and smooth things over.

No chance!

Let everyone get a good look at this family’s true colors.

Borrowing money and still acting so arrogantly, Gu Xiaoqing refused to believe that after living two lifetimes, she couldn’t outwit a Second Uncle.

At the very least, she’d disgust him.

Let’s see if his reputation remains intact.

Gu Rushan at this point couldn’t dare let Gu Ruhai and Gu Xiaoqing leave.

If they really went to the team leader’s house, it would spell doom for him.

By then, that annual hundred yuan student aid might as well be gone.

He hurriedly called out to Gu Ruhai, "Brother, Brother, you see, I’m really not prepared today. Otherwise, tomorrow, I’ll bring it to you."

Quickly find a way to send these two troublemakers off first.

Then find a way to speak with the elders at night. As long as Mr. Gu steps in, what else could Gu Ruhai say?

Having already noticed the insincerity in Gu Rushan’s eyes, Gu Xiaoqing could see clearly through her Second Uncle’s intentions.

That flickering gaze clearly intended to take advantage of her family.

Gu Xiaoqing sneered dismissively, "Second Uncle, the way you put it, it’s not like my dad is pressuring you. It was you who said for us to come collect the money today. Now you’re saying you don’t have it. In that case, we won’t burden you, Second Uncle. We’ll go to the team leader to reason this out. I’m sure the team leader would be willing to help handle this. Second Uncle, please discuss with the team leader."

She pulled Gu Ruhai along to leave.