Chapter 11: Our Family Will Be Fine in This Life

Qin Ju's eyes were still red, but her voice had grown calm as she spoke.

"I've thought it through," she said. "We only have two houses now, and we don't want either of them. Let's sell them and use the money to rent a place in the county for now. Once we're financially stable, we can buy a house. Mom and Dad, you can find work in the county or elsewhere if needed. I'll move out of school and stay with Xiao Shi. No matter what, life won't be any harder than it is now."

Both Qin Zhonghui and Su Yun were stunned by her words.

Qin Zhonghui hadn't considered the idea of separation, but Su Yun had, though only fleetingly.

After some thought, Su Yun said, "I agree with Xiaojiu. When we discuss the division of family property, let's give up the house. Instead, we should ask them to return the 5,000 yuan they borrowed to build it."

Su Yun had not given birth to a son, which had caused dissatisfaction with the old man. He had repeatedly pressured her to have a third child. If they did split up, she knew they might not get anything.

But the 10,000 yuan spent on the big tiled house in the front yard was half of their hard-earned savings. The old man had claimed he borrowed the money from them. While it was acceptable for the old couple to live there, it was now occupied by the third brother's family. This made Su Yun uneasy.

"I need to think it over," Qin Zhonghui said, loyal to a fault and often excusing others' bad behavior.

Qin Ju was aware of her father's tendencies but was relieved he wasn't entirely oblivious.

"Dad, here's what we'll do," she proposed. "Let's not discuss the division of the family right now. Go to the hospital tomorrow to get your hand checked and arrange for Xiao Shi to start school. When you come back, ask them for a thousand yuan for your surgery. If they agree, it shows they still care about you, and we'll hold off on the separation. If they refuse, then for the sake of Xiao Shi and me growing up healthily, we'll proceed with the division."

Su Yun hesitated but agreed to the plan.

After Qin Zhonghui consented, Su Yun went outside to smoke and whispered to her daughter, "Xiaojiu, what if they agree to help with your father's medical expenses? We should take this chance to propose the separation."

Qin Ju replied confidently, "Don't worry, Mom. They won't want to spend the money. But we need to make sure Xiao Shi gets into school in the county, and I might need to ask my uncle for help."

Su Yun had several older brothers, one of whom worked at the county education bureau. Although it was late to act now, there was still a chance.

Su Yun nodded. "Alright, you go with your father to the doctor tomorrow, and I'll visit your second uncle to arrange for Xiao Shi's schooling."

"Mom, you should also ask my second uncle about available houses. We should make arrangements in advance so we're prepared when the family is divided."

Su Yun nodded, then paused, looking at her daughter with a hint of confusion. "Xiaojiu, why do I feel like you've changed recently?"

Qin Ju replied calmly, "Maybe it was the realization that hit me when I saw Xiao Shi being beaten."

Su Yun felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Xiaojiu and Xiao Shi. It's because Mom and Dad didn't handle things well, and you've had to suffer."

As she spoke, she pulled both girls into her embrace.

Qin Ju closed her eyes, savoring the long-lost warmth of her mother's hug.

"Mom, it's not your fault. In this life, our family will be fine. It will be!"

The next morning, Qin Ju's family of four had a modest breakfast of rice soup, cornmeal buns, and salted radish cubes before heading out together.

As they prepared to go to the hospital, Feng Lan commented indifferently, "Why are these two girls coming along too? How much will the round trip cost?"

Although the expense was minimal, Feng Lan was concerned that her second brother and his wife might end up with less money in the future if they spent too much now.

Her comment was unpleasant to hear, but before Qin Ju could respond, Su Yun said, "We'll cover the fare ourselves, so you don't need to worry. Besides, I noticed the children have lost weight, so I'm planning to take them to the county to enjoy some good food and buy them new clothes."

Feng Lan laughed dryly. "Sister-in-law, you're quite generous."

Su Yun retorted, "It's not about being rich; every penny I spend is earned by me. It feels good to spend it wisely."

Feng Lan was left speechless. After Qin Ju and her family left, she spat on the ground in frustration.

"How about making money? Eventually, all that money will end up benefiting her family!"

When she got home and saw her husband preparing to head to the store to play cards, Feng Lan whispered, "My second brother went to the county for a check-up. Do you think his hand might not be healing properly?"

Qin Jiqun was surprised. "Second Brother didn't mention any issues and just said he got burned. Can't it heal with some rest?"

Feng Lan frowned. "I doubt it. He looked very pale earlier; it seems like he might be seriously injured. If his hand isn't healing, he might not be able to work and earn money in the future."

Qin Jiqun became anxious at the thought of receiving less money. "What should we do?"

Feng Lan shrugged. "I hope Second Brother's hand is alright."

Qin Ju and her family caught the passenger car to the county town. Upon arrival, they split into two groups: Qin Ju accompanied her father, Qin Zhonghui, to the hospital, while Su Yun took Xiao Shi to handle the enrollment procedures.

Having lived through many experiences, Qin Ju understood the importance of social etiquette. She advised Su Yun, "Mom, when you visit my second uncle, buy three pounds of peach cakes and two pounds of bananas. Also, bring these mushrooms we picked and cleaned. It's important to bring something since we're asking for help. If you go empty-handed, my second aunt might think too much."

Su Yun was taken aback and then felt a pang of sadness. How much hardship had her daughter endured to learn such things?

She touched her eldest daughter's head and said, "Our Xiao Jiu is becoming more and more sensible."

Qin Ju smiled warmly.

(End of Chapter)

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