CHAPTER 508: CHAPTER 491 OUTSIDERS

"Sister-in-law, a worker’s monthly salary is only 28.50, and you’re asking me to give 20 a month for mom’s pension. Sister-in-law, you’ve calculated that quite clearly."

Fan Jianguo smiled sharply.

Wu Jin’ai blushed, knowing this couldn’t be dissected further as she couldn’t withstand scrutiny.

"Isn’t it because you, Uncle, are capable? I was just hoping mom could live a bit better, eat well, dress well, so we could show how filial we are as children."

"Sister-in-law, your good intention, I appreciate it, but I don’t want to trouble you with mom’s pension. Since I have a new wife coming into the family, she has to take care of my mom. Filial piety can’t be shirked, and unfortunately, mom ended up with a troublesome son like me.

It’s senseless to forget about mom after getting a wife; I’m not such a person! If my new wife isn’t willing, then I’d rather remain a bachelor. I don’t care. Mom’s in good health, she doesn’t need much care, just some cleaning and such.

How difficult could it be? Even if my new wife can’t keep up, I could spend ten yuan out of that twenty to hire a nanny to care for mom at home. It would still be thorough care, and more economical than your plan, sister-in-law.

I don’t earn money easily, and I’m about to get married, so spending lavishly isn’t suitable. I don’t have the same heart as brother and sister-in-law; I wouldn’t ask them for twenty yuan for mom’s pension either, but don’t take others for fools.

Don’t use elders as an excuse to make money. My money doesn’t come effortlessly; it’s earned with hard work. Saying this really makes me feel cold-hearted."

Fan Jianguo’s sharp words left Fan Jianfeng embarrassed.

"My wife and I didn’t mean it that way. You opened a store and paid tens of thousands for rent; it’s not unreasonable for you to spend a bit more on mom, given how easy city life is for you.

If you’re not willing, forget it. I’m not forcing you to take out the money; you make it sound like your brother is greedy for your money."

Fan Jianfeng tried to smooth things over.

Jiang Xiaoxiao snorted with laughter, prompting everyone present to sigh. No wonder they say even dragon sons differ; just look at how different the sons are.

Fan Jianfeng felt humiliated and ashamed.

"Xiaoxiao, mind your attitude. No matter what, I’m still your elder."

He snapped harshly.

Song Moting glanced sideways at his uncle, "Uncle, Xiaoxiao meant no harm. She just feels elders should act like elders, especially with so many younger folks around. What aunt said really opened our eyes, us younger ones."

Wu Jin’ai glared, "Wow, now even the niece’s husband is more powerful than us elders. Never seen an outsider ruling our house. This is the Fan family matter; what does it have to do with you, Song? Go exert your power at your Song family."

Fan Xiuying stood up abruptly, "Now my son-in-law is an outsider, huh? When we needed help transporting dad home, he wasn’t an outsider. When we needed things bought for the funeral, no one called him an outsider.

If an outsider is willing to help our family so much, then this outsider is better than the Fan family members."

The old lady slammed the bed, "Enough, stop arguing! Eldest son, eldest daughter-in-law, what’s your intention? Is holding this meeting about creating discord within the family?

Eldest daughter-in-law, are these words even humane? How is Xiao Song an outsider? It was him, this outsider, who carried me out from that tunnel, and chiseled through the stone wall to save my life.

This outsider was busy inside and out, managing your dad’s funeral. Are you conscience-stricken saying these words now? Do you mean to say that because your father isn’t here, I’m also bothering you, and you intend to anger me to death?"

The old lady was truly furious.

She’d never been this angry in her life; her husband’s body was still warm, and yet her eldest son and daughter-in-law started causing trouble.

Is there no end to this?

In the past, she tolerated them as it was her eldest son. No matter how bad the daughter-in-law was, there was still her son.

The old couple slightly subsidized the eldest, and that wasn’t outrageous.

After all, among the kids, the eldest lived the hardest, so often they’d remind themselves he was their son.

For better or worse, there was no other way; they could only try to be fair to avoid hurting the children’s feelings.

But never expected the eldest would go further now.

Her old man had just passed, and now they were starting to stir trouble.

Fan Jianfeng saw his mother’s anger and glared at Wu Jin’ai, can’t she speak better!

He knew the most unoffendable in this family were Song Moting and Jiang Xiaoxiao; speaking like that would sever future relations.

Jiang Xiaoxiao hadn’t spoken, not because she wouldn’t defend Song Moting, but because she knew her parents and grandma supported Song Moting well.

There was no need for her to say anything.

"Mom, it’s just my wife can’t speak well, don’t mind her. Xiao Song, don’t take it to heart. Uncle knows you’re a good kid, doing everything for us. Uncle is sincerely grateful to you; if not for you, my mom probably wouldn’t have... anyway, whatever happens, uncle understands."

Song Moting remained silent because if he spoke, he’d likely pin the uncle against the wall.

No matter how, out of consideration for the old lady and Fan Xiuying, he wouldn’t do such a thing.

After all, he had no standing to do this; it’s the old lady’s son, and good or bad isn’t for him, a junior, to criticize.

"Okay, brother, enough with the formalities. Mom’s affairs are settled; mom still stays with me. However, every expense of dad’s funeral should list out. It’s a concern between us brothers; no reason for Xiao Song, a son-in-law, to bear the cost.

There’s no reason to let a grandson-in-law pay for this, and I don’t want to be gossiped about. The Fan family can’t afford such shame. As for the cash gifts from villagers, I don’t want a cent. Brother, do you think this is appropriate?"

Fan Jianguo made the biggest concession. Originally he wouldn’t let his brother’s family pay anything, but knowing his brother and sister-in-law, if he said that, they’d probably take advantage.

Moreover, showing filial piety to the elderly shouldn’t rest on one son, right? Although his brother’s family was struggling, he’d tried his best to help. But that didn’t mean he should undertake everything; opening that door would lead to endless demands.