Chapter 21: It Should Be Ours, Not a Penny Less

Qin Jiqun hesitated before speaking, "Second brother, this division of the family is a serious matter. How about we call eldest brother tomorrow and consult with the Qin family uncles to confirm?"

In reality, Mr. Qin had not yet decided to split the family, but with Qin Jiqun's suggestion, it was practically settled. The only issue left was how to divide it.

The reasoning was straightforward. Qin Jiqun and Feng Lan were notably lazy. Their usual activities involved visiting convenience stores to play cards, shopping for treats at the market, or wandering to other people's homes for card games.

They led a rather idle life.

If Qin Zhonghui's hand were to be permanently disabled and given the old age of Mr. and Mrs. Qin, the question arose: if they did not separate, would they be required to support him? After all, Qin Zhonghui had only two daughters who would eventually marry and be of no help.

The key factor was that they had previously refrained from separating because Qin Zhonghui and Su Yun were earning money through outside work. Now that they weren't working, their income would likely diminish. If the situation deteriorated, they might have to contribute financially. It was better to separate the family as soon as possible.

Moreover, if they did separate, Mr. Qin would live with them, ensuring they would receive a larger share.

Qin Jiqun and his wife were making these calculations while Mr. Qin looked increasingly displeased. Despite his annoyance, he did not immediately oppose his youngest son's proposal.

Finally, Mr. Qin said, "Call eldest brother and ask him and his wife to come back tomorrow or the day after. Also, get in touch with the rest of the family."

Qin Jiqun eagerly replied, "I'll go to the store and call my brother!"

His enthusiasm for the family division was evident.

Mr. Qin, still unhappy, turned back to the house in irritation. The Qin Ju family also retreated to their home.

Being only one room away from the old man, they said nothing after returning. They washed up, went to bed early, and turned on a small, dim table lamp. Qin Ju was writing something while Xiao Shi sat on a small stool beside him, reading a Chinese textbook from Qin Ju's elementary school days.

Su Yun whispered, "I'm afraid they'll discuss it and give us nothing."

Qin Zhonghui tried to comfort her, "No matter how biased they are, there has to be a limit. Don't worry."

Su Yun remained pessimistic. "The third brother and his wife have many tricks up their sleeves, and the old man and old lady are on their side. Plus, eldest brother's family will be coming back."

"We'll take whatever we can get," Qin Zhonghui said. "If the money's gone, we can earn more later." He tried to reassure his wife, though he too anticipated they would receive little.

Qin Ju, who was writing, looked up and said calmly, "That won't do. It's ours, and they can't give us a penny less. Mom and Dad, tomorrow we need to stick to one core strategy."

"What's that?"

"Play the victim!" Qin Ju explained. "It's not about deceiving anyone. We really are in a tough spot. Look, Dad was injured. When you married him, you didn't get anything. We contributed 5,000 yuan for the big tile house in the front yard. Over the years, you've given my grandfather's family several thousand yuan. And now, they've even slandered me, saying that Qin Xiaotao bullied Xiao Shi. We have all the evidence."

Qin Ju's eyes were resolute.

"I was so mistreated by them in my previous life. If I don't charge them some interest now, it would be a bargain for them."

She handed her parents two sheets of paper with her written lines. "Here are your lines. Review them tonight, memorize them, and then tear them up or burn them."

-----

Qin Zhonghui and Su Yun were both taken aback by the complexity of the situation. How could it be so tangled?

Yet, they trusted their eldest daughter and diligently studied the lines Qin Ju had given them by the light of the lamp.

There were details to remember, like how much money they had given to the old man, among other points.

Xiao Shi tugged on Qin Ju's sleeve and asked, "Sister, what should I say then?"

Qin Ju patted her head and smiled, "When the time comes, you can cry as much as you want!"

Xiao Shi nodded eagerly. "Okay!"

**

Next door, Mr. and Mrs. Qin were puzzled. They could hear murmurs from the second son's house but couldn't make out the details.

Old Mrs. Qin sighed, "Why are they talking about splitting the family when everything is fine? Isn't it better for the whole family to stay together?"

Old Master Qin, irate, sneered, "Go ask your dear son about that!"

"Why is the second son suddenly interested in dividing the family?" Old Mrs. Qin repeated to herself.

Old Master Qin banged his pipe on the cement floor. "It's probably Su Yun's influence. I never wanted him to marry her in the first place. Now look, he's on the verge of splitting the family because of her!"

Old Mrs. Qin thought Su Yun was fine, though she had always complied with Old Master Qin's wishes. With a resigned sigh, she muttered, "She didn't give us a son, but…"

She left the thought unfinished.

Meanwhile, in the front yard, Qin Jiqun and his wife were also sleepless.

Feng Lan asked, "Ji Qun, how do you think the old man will divide the family property? Since my brother's family has no sons and the old man and his family will be living with us, those two houses should come to us."

Qin Jiqun was indifferent. "Who knows?"

Feng Lan, unconcerned, added, "By the way, why did you invite the eldest brother and his family back? Haven't they already separated?"

"Stop nagging. We won't lose out on anything. Let's go to sleep," Qin Jiqun replied.

Feng Lan, restless, propped up her chin with one hand. "I'm thinking about Qin Ju. They mentioned details—going to competitions together, sleeping in the same bed! Let's ask their teacher. They must know something!"

Qin Jiqun, already snoring, was indifferent. He didn't care about the family division or his niece's scandal.

He only cared that his comfortable life would continue.

Feng Lan, seeing that her husband had no interest in discussing further, snorted and fell asleep.

The next morning, Old Mrs. Qin rose early as usual to feed the chickens and ducks. Su Yun also got up to cook, while Feng Lan, in the front yard, only stirred when breakfast was ready in the back.

Feng Lan approached with a bowl to fetch breakfast and remarked, "Oh, sister-in-law, your scallion pancakes are so delicious. It's a pity we won't be able to enjoy them much longer."

Su Yun replied calmly, "This is very simple, much easier than playing cards. If you use your brain, you can learn it quickly."

Feng Lan's expression shifted, and she sneered, "Second sister-in-law, you don't have to mock me. I'm better at giving birth than you. Even though I only had one, it was a son."

Su Yun frowned.

Qin Ju, helping Su Yun, smiled innocently and said, "I don't know if she can give birth, but I can't raise her for sure."

Feng Lan's eyes widened in anger. "Who are you calling a little bitch?"

Qin Ju feigned innocence. "Hey, I didn't specify anyone, so don't assume, old lady."

(End of this chapter)