CHAPTER 47: CHAPTER 47: THE SECOND SLAP IN THE FACE

The whole village was watching, and many people were surprised. They didn’t expect Gu Ruhai to be usually silent and seemingly easy to bully, but when things happened, he showed strength.

Many people thought, if the situation was truly as they heard, they could understand Gu Ruhai’s feelings.

He was being stubborn.

The eldest was good, but people shouldn’t be pushed too far. When they are, even rabbits will bite, let alone people.

Gu Ruhai was pushed to the limit.

Mr. Gu saw the situation and knew he had made a mistake today. Sitting in the yard earlier, he sensed something was different, yet he still believed Gu Ruhai was the same as he was a few days ago, obedient and straightforward.

It’s different now.

For the first time, the old man felt he was aging.

He sighed and said, "My eldest, the family has been divided for a long time now. Today, I didn’t fully consider things, just thought it was hard to support a college student, without realizing your struggles. From now on, you don’t need to be embarrassed. Rest assured."

As soon as this was said, everyone understood that Mr. Gu had surrendered.

Although not stated clearly, it was indirectly admitting fault.

When Gu Changhai saw a turning point, he stepped forward, reached out, pulled Gu Ruhai up, and said, "Alright, big brother, the old man has spoken. From now on, take care of your own family. It’s better for a family to live harmoniously."

Gu Ruhai stood up. Now that Mr. Gu had spoken, and the captain was supporting him, he couldn’t keep kneeling.

Initially, kneeling was because he was infuriated by the old man’s words. Gu Ruhai, being the most naive, didn’t know how to speak or how to fight for rights without disrespecting filial piety, so he knelt.

Gu Ruhai also struggled, as habits developed over many years are really hard to change; they are ingrained.

But hearing the old man’s words demanding him to hand over money for the second son, he was infuriated.

For the first time, Gu Ruhai thought about dying.

His father knew what kind of life his family led, yet still forced him to sacrifice his whole family. It would be better for the entire family to just die.

In the past few days, Gu Ruhai had experienced hope, what it meant to live with promise, but now all these made him realize that if he listened to the old man this time, he would never think about a nice brick house again.

He feared he’d spend his life sacrificing for the second and third sons.

So Gu Ruhai thought of his daughter, Gu Xiaoqing’s words yesterday. Yes, this was his family, the ones he’d rely on for life and death in the future.

He couldn’t protect himself, but he couldn’t sacrifice his children.

So the meekness of Gu Ruhai turned into boldness, causing Mr. Gu discomfort.

Over there, Jiang Xiulan helped Li Xuemei up, and seeing this, Gu Xiaoqing immediately asked Captain Gu Changhai loudly, "Captain Uncle, is what you said true? From now on, we won’t have to support Second Uncle, won’t have to hand over our money to Gu Xiaocheng. So I won’t have to worry about not having money for school?"

This was a tricky question, deliberately asked by Gu Xiaoqing. If not clarified in front of others, the old man could take back his words later and insist her family gives money to the second uncle, which would be a loss.

Her remark was made seeing many onlookers, shouted deliberately, fearing that it would be seized as evidence, leading to her self-defeat.

So to be safe, Gu Xiaoqing asked in front of everyone.

A twelve-year-old girl asking questions was better than everyone else.

Moreover, no one can blame her; they’d only think the child was scared, seeking assurance.

This was absolutely reasonable.

Surely, before Gu Changhai could speak, Jiang Xiulan spoke: "Xiaoqing, you child, your family’s earnings are, of course, yours. Why would Xiaocheng need your money for support? In the future, don’t say such silly things."

This was to gain favor publicly, fearing others’ gossip about Gu Xiaocheng.

Gu Changhai, seeing the girl focusing on him, waiting for an answer, was startled. This child seemed to understand the weight of words, proving Gu Ruhai’s family had a clever one.

Smiling and nodding, he said, "Xiaoqing, you’re right; what your family earns is for you. Even if someone tries, they can’t take it away. If anyone tries to bother you, come to me, I’ll stand up for you."

Such a clever child, Gu Changhai felt willing to help.

Gu Xiaoqing happily pulled up Gu Xiaoying and Gu Xiaojie, still kneeling, and the three children joyously cheered, "We can go to school; our family has money."

This statement shook the hearts of everyone in the yard.

The words were heartbreaking; the children’s demands were so humble.

What a situation this was.

Everyone, consciously or unconsciously, glanced at Mr. Gu, causing the already uncomfortable Mr. Gu to feel so ashamed as if he wanted to find a hole to hide.

Gu Changhai also approached Li Weimin, offering a cigarette, and coaxed, "Brother-in-law, it was all a misunderstanding, but it’s resolved now, so don’t be angry; a family should be harmonious. Otherwise, your sister will lose face."

This was out of fear that Li Weimin might retaliate, which would ruin the reputation of Gu Family Village.

After all, Li Weimin wasn’t from Gu Family Village, and if he spoke about this outside, how would others perceive the villagers?

So for everyone’s sake, Gu Changhai hoped Li Weimin would be reasonable and let the matter go for Li Xuemei’s sake.

Li Weimin nodded, smiling, "Captain, I have a short temper. Earlier, I was a bit heated, so my words were harsh. But I’m concerned for my sister and brother-in-law’s family; if they’re okay, I have nothing to say."

Thus, the matter was clarified.

Everyone dispersed from the yard.

This was the second time Gu Ruhai’s family had disturbed the village.

After Captain Gu Changhai left, Gu Rushan and Jiang Xiulan helped Mr. Gu away.

Gu Xiaoqing hurried to prepare a meal.

Li Xuemei invited her own brother into the main room to sit.

Gu Ruhai stayed to accompany him.

Gu Xiaoqing quickly prepared braised pork, scrambled eggs with chives, spicy and sour cabbage, and stir-fried potato shreds, plus a big pot of bone soup and a large bowl of cornmeal buns.

The delicious meal was completed.