CHAPTER 78: CHAPTER 78: SEPARATION FROM HOUSEHOLD REGISTRATION

She wanted to sort out her job situation first and foremost.

As for the debt issue, there’s still a bit left from mother’s side, but since they’re all family, it should be resolved easily. The opportunity is fleeting, and she must seize the moment to secure a job!

Zhao Xiuxia exclaimed anxiously, "I raised Sun Chan, why shouldn’t she support me in my old age? All the conditions must be met. The family’s debts, my pension, and Lijuan’s job..."

Gu Junming replied calmly, "I can agree to Sun Lijuan’s demands, but your demands are exorbitant. Let’s let the authorities decide."

Zhao Xiuxia was still unhappy, stalling for an hour and repeating the same arguments. Sun Chan and Sun Lijuan remained silent while Zhao Xiuxia howled, and Gu Junming kept stating, "Follow Sun Lijuan’s demands, or we’ll take it to court."

"Are you done yet? Who has the time to listen to your nonsense?" the village chief said, a bit annoyed.

From behind, Liu Yunlan frowned and said, "Zhao Xiuxia, that comrade is just a soldier, and from the countryside. He also has elderly parents and a sister to support; he can’t afford so much. Don’t go overboard!"

Wang Dan had also spoken to her about Sun Chan, and Liu Yunlan, having a favorable impression of Sun Chan, was a bit upset seeing Zhao Xiuxia acting so arrogantly.

Zhao Xiuxia was infuriated, "Mind your own business!"

The village chief stood up, "If you can’t decide, I’ll go back first and come back when you’ve figured it out."

Zhao Xiuxia hurriedly held him back, "You can’t leave, you need to stand up for me!"

The village chief rolled his eyes; demanding such a large sum for no reason, and being so bold about it—what nerve.

Sun Lijuan whispered a few words to her.

Zhao Xiuxia’s eyes lit up, then she said, "Okay! I agree with you all. But if you want to marry Sun Chan, shouldn’t there be a bride price? A thousand isn’t excessive, right?"

Sun Chan said, "Gu Junming is a soldier, not a businessman, how can he have that much money? There won’t be a bride price."

"That’s not okay! After raising you, you can’t even give a bride price? Does that make sense? Just give the bride price, and we’re done! Otherwise, I’ll never agree, even if it kills me! Look around, which village daughter’s marriage doesn’t come with a bride price!"

Gu Junming said, "I can give you the bride price."

Sun Chan frowned at Gu Junming, while Zhao Xiuxia quickly interjected, "That’s what you said, I didn’t force you!"

Gu Junming smirked, "Of course, I mean what I say, but a thousand’s not happening. I’ll give according to the village’s standard. Sun Chan, how much?"

Sun Chan frowned silently, and a woman nearby said, "It’s usually two hundred, three hundred if the family’s well-off."

Zhou Jinzhu was forced to give five hundred back then due to his poor circumstances, otherwise, he wouldn’t have had to.

Gu Junming simply said, "Alright, I’ll give three hundred. But Sun Chan is only seventeen now, and it’s still three years until marriage. I’ll naturally provide the bride price then."

Zhao Xiuxia was about to protest, but Sun Lijuan stopped her, whispering, "By then, we’ll raise the price. If he doesn’t pay, we’ll create a scene at his workplace; he won’t dare not to pay!"

Zhao Xiuxia thought for a moment and agreed. By the time they marry in three years, the bride price will surely be higher, and they should seize the chance to demand a lot.

With Zhao Xiuxia finally relenting, both families drafted an agreement, with Gu Junming helping to resolve the 4000-yuan debt and arranging a formal city job for Sun Lijuan, along with the 300-yuan bride price. There would be no living expenses, and all ties would be severed.

Zhao Xiuxia, not very literate, listened as Sun Lijuan read the agreement aloud. After a long contemplation, she reluctantly agreed. With a sullen face, she went inside, brought out the household registration booklet, and tossed it at Sun Chan’s face. But Sun Chan swiftly stepped back and grabbed it, her movements agile.

Zhao Xiu scoffed and spat on the ground. Sun Lijuan lowered her eyelids, focusing on the importance of her job, and held her peace.

Both parties said no more, quickly heading to the town. Gu Junming, having previously coordinated with the locals, went straight to the officials to draft the document and press fingerprints.

With the new household registration issued, Sun Chan was no longer Zhao Xiuxia’s daughter.

Zhao Xiuxia gave Sun Chan a hateful glare, while Sun Chan looked back calmly, her gaze full of indifference. She was truly liberated now.

Sun Lijuan didn’t hurry off. She approached Gu Junming with a smile, "Brother-in-law, what kind of job have you set up for me?"

The way she addressed him was very familiar.

Gu Junming said, "You haven’t graduated yet, no need to rush. I said I’d arrange it, and I will."

"Any chance I could call your office? What’s the number?"

Gu Junming’s voice turned cold, "No, you can’t. We’re very busy."

"You’re going to be my brother-in-law; it makes sense to keep in touch, doesn’t it?" Sun Lijuan’s voice took on a coquettish tone. After all, he’s a Deputy Battalion Commander, with a decent salary and allowances. Compared to Sun Chan, an elementary dropout, I’ve clearly got the better prospects.

Gu Junming glanced at Sun Lijuan, his tone flat, "Do you not understand what ’severed ties’ means? If you don’t, you can look it up in a dictionary. Sun Chan doesn’t recognize you as her sister, and naturally, I don’t either. No need to try and forge a connection. Go home, your mother is waiting."

Sun Lijuan’s smile froze. She saw Sun Chan watching her with a smirk, eyes full of mockery. She wished she could find a hole to crawl into, damn Sun Chan! Just wait!

Clenching her fists, she stormed off, seething at the thought of punching Sun Chan’s face.

You still have three years before you can marry him. I can mess things up with Ding Hu, just as I can with him!

Gu Junming said, "By the way, let your mother know that you and Sun Chan are no longer related. If you continue to exploit her, it could land you in jail."

Sun Lijuan didn’t reply, striding away.

Sun Chan received her independent household registration and was overwhelmed with emotion, on the verge of tears.

Gu Junming patted her shoulder, "It’s over now. No one will guilt-trip you about filial piety anymore."

"But the price feels too high; it makes me uncomfortable," Sun Chan reflected on how Gu Junming had been assisting her since they met, feeling uneasy.

"We didn’t spend a dime on those debts. If those two brothers don’t want to go to prison, they won’t ask Zhao Xiuxia for money anymore; they’ve already gotten plenty of benefits. If they still ask for money, they’d be pushing their luck. As for Sun Lijuan’s job, I’ve already decided where to place her; she’ll end up in a situation she regrets."

"Oh? Where are you sending her?" Sun Chan asked curiously.

Gu Junming chuckled and said, "I’m going to get her a job at the town government."

Sun Chan blinked. That’s a pretty decent job?