Chapter 19: Dad, Let’s Separate

Qin Zhonghui, who was seated across from him, nodded solemnly. "If I don't have the surgery, this hand of mine will be useless." His voice was tinged with frustration and resignation.

At this moment, Qin Ju, who had been quietly observing, took out a large stack of medical prescriptions from the hospital. The stack was impressive and intimidating. Old Master Qin's face grew even more troubled as he examined the pile. The documents were filled with medical terms and diagnoses that seemed overwhelming. It became clear that the injury to Qin Zhonghui's hand was far more serious than anyone had initially thought.

Standing nearby, Qin Jiqun and Feng Lan moved closer to scrutinize the prescriptions. They didn't understand many of the technical terms, but it was evident from the papers that Qin Zhonghui's injury was severe. The prescriptions indicated that if the injury was not treated properly, it could lead to serious disability. The thought of Qin Zhonghui becoming disabled was unsettling. If that happened, it would greatly diminish his ability to earn a living and support his family.

Feng Lan, who had been silent up to this point, let out a distressed sigh. "But spending a thousand yuan on this will be very painful for us. We barely have enough money to get by." Her concern was evident in her voice.

Feng Lan's discomfort was palpable. She quickly glanced at Qin Jiqun, who seemed worried that their father might agree to the expense immediately. In a bid to prevent that, Qin Jiqun interjected. "Second brother, didn't you say before that this was just a minor injury and would heal with some nursing?"

Su Yun, who had been standing nearby with a worried expression, shook her head. "Third brother, the doctor's assessment is clear. You know how serious your second brother's injury is. If we hadn't gone to the county town for treatment, his hand could have become completely useless."

She turned her gaze towards Old Master Qin with a mix of hope and urgency. "Dad, you can see that this is a real problem. Are you really going to deny Zhonghui the treatment he needs?"

Old Master Qin had always had a soft spot for his sons, but his affection for his second son was less profound. He sighed deeply, his worry evident. "But we don't have that much money right now."

Qin Zhonghui felt a wave of despair wash over him. The harsh reality of their financial situation seemed to hit him harder with each passing moment. He realized that despite the previous night's efforts, his father had not given him all the money he had provided. Most of it might have gone to support his younger brother instead.

The disappointment in Qin Zhonghui's eyes was palpable. He felt a cold sense of betrayal and frustration as he came to terms with the fact that his father might not be willing to support him fully in this critical situation.

Qin Ju, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange, suddenly spoke up. "So Grandpa doesn't want my dad's hand to be treated either?"

Old Master Qin's eyes flashed with irritation at being questioned by a child. "What nonsense are you talking about?" His voice was sharp and defensive.

But Qin Ju remained undeterred by his anger. She continued, her voice steady and clear. "There's only one operation needed, but we don't have enough money. If we can't afford it, my dad's hand won't heal properly. Grandpa, you don't seem to care about what happens to my dad at all."

Old Master Qin, who was already feeling the strain of the situation, was taken aback by Qin Ju's directness. The embarrassment of being confronted by a child was evident on his face. He was about to retort when he heard a voice that he never expected to speak out so decisively.

Qin Zhonghui, who had always been the most reserved and respectful of his father's authority, spoke up with a calm yet firm tone. "Dad, let's separate."

The room fell silent as Qin Zhonghui's words echoed through the space. His statement was not just a plea for financial relief; it was a profound acknowledgment of the strained and fractured family dynamics. His request for separation was a call for a fundamental change in how they managed their lives and dealt with their problems.

The gravity of Qin Zhonghui's declaration hung heavily in the air. It was clear that the family's current situation was untenable and that something had to change. The request for separation was a sign that Qin Zhonghui could no longer accept the status quo and was seeking a new path, one that would hopefully allow him to address his pressing health issues without being hindered by familial financial constraints.

Old Master Qin, already frazzled and overwhelmed, struggled to find the right words. His mind raced as he tried to process the enormity of his son's request. He had always seen himself as the head of the family, responsible for making decisions and managing resources. The idea of splitting up, of losing control over one of his sons' lives, was both daunting and disheartening.

Qin Ju, who had been a silent witness to the escalating tension, looked at her father with a mix of concern and hope. She understood the implications of what had just been proposed but was also aware that something had to change for the sake of their family's future.

As the family grappled with the fallout of Qin Zhonghui's declaration, each member had to confront their own feelings and responsibilities. The prospect of separation brought up many questions about their future, their finances, and their relationships. It was clear that the road ahead would be challenging, filled with difficult decisions and emotional turmoil.

The chapter closed on a somber note, leaving the family at a crossroads. The tension was palpable, and the future remained uncertain. The request for separation had set the stage for a major shift in their lives, one that would require each member to reassess their priorities and their roles within the family.

As they faced the uncertain future, it was clear that the decision to separate was not just a matter of finances but a deep reflection on their family dynamics and personal values. The journey ahead would be arduous, but it was a necessary step towards resolving the conflicts and challenges that had long been simmering beneath the surface.

(End of this chapter)