I became the Counterpart of the Winner in a Period Novel

Chapter 338: Chapter 297: Shen Family Cousin Wants to Visit the City to See His Younger Sister (Part 3)

Shen Fangdiao initially wanted to say, "He’s a village official, and your son is nothing," but he was afraid of starting a quarrel with his wife.

Fan Xiaocui thought of another issue: "Diaozi, let’s hide the money and things first, and then tomorrow we’ll tell your parents we want to split the family. It has to happen; I don’t want their three rooms to take advantage. Those two old ones will definitely side with us, and then we’ll have a reason to ask Fanghua for money."

Although Shen Fangdiao was reluctant, he knew the third house wouldn’t do much work after the split. That family of four are all good workers, but his wife was right. This money could only be used to renovate their house.

"Let’s do as you say."

In the main room, the two elders appeared solemn at that moment.

Shen Weiguo, Old Shen, had sighed more than once.

Yang Qiuhua, beside him, was annoyed by his sighing.

"Stop sighing. It’s useless. Who would have thought the second one could turn things around? Last year they still couldn’t feed the family, their clothes were in tatters."

Old Shen: "She’s still the daughter you carried for ten months; don’t you feel for her?"

Yang Qiuhua rolled her eyes: "What can a poor family feel? If I feel for her, who will feel for the eldest and the third?"

Old Shen: "So, you still favor boys over girls?"

Yang Qiuhua didn’t argue: "I’m thinking about keeping your family line. Everyone’s life has been tough these years. If we dragged that stubborn girl’s family, we’d all starve. She was stubborn back then. If she had listened and remarried, we wouldn’t have cut ties with her."

Old Shen felt uneasy talking about the past: "Chen Jin is successful now. I heard he bought a courtyard in Nanxi City and moved his parents there."

Yang Qiuhua: "That stubborn girl has no luck. Back then, Chen Jin wasn’t even bothered by her four children and was ready to marry into Qingshan Village for her, but she was so stubborn. She deserves the hardship, but she managed to raise four children, and they all turned out well."

Old Shen: "So, what do you mean? Let the eldest have their share, and use our name. Are you trying to make our daughter resent us?"

Yang Qiuhua waved her hand: "You don’t understand. Look at Old Qiao’s family in the village. Their daughter keeps bringing good things home. I call it nurturing. At first, she feels indebted and won’t say anything, but after a few times, she’ll have thoughts. Then I’ll pressure her a bit. After several times, not only will she get used to it, but she’ll also think it’s justified. Understand?"

Old Shen uncertainly asked: "Do you think our stubborn daughter can be controlled by us?"

"Just wait and see."

Unlike the scheming on both sides, Shen Fangmai’s third house felt troubled.

His wife, Su Lianyun, with red eyes: "Fanghua just started having better days, and now the eldest’s house ransacked her home like locusts, and you didn’t stop them. How will Fanghua and the kids live? For more than ten years, we didn’t offer a single penny in help, and now we have the nerve to take from her?"

Shen Fangmai sighed: "Didn’t you see it? Our parents said nothing. What good will my words do? It’ll just cause more arguments. I think it’s better to split the family. The eldest’s house is hopeless, and it seems like our parents are on their side. You feel for Fanghua; how can I, as her brother, not feel for her?"

Su Lianyun: "Stop calling her Fanghua; she’s your sister. Why did you start calling her by name as a child?"

Shen Fangmai: "..."

Their son and daughter, listening quietly nearby, son Shen Yanrong, 22 years old this year, and daughter Shen Yanguo.

At this moment, Shen Yanguo chimed in: "Mom, did you know Auntie Second when you were young?"

Su Lianyun: "We were best friends, shared everything. Later, she married into Qingshan Village, I stayed in the village, each had her own family, then your grandparents didn’t speak with Auntie Second for more than ten years, so our relationship faded."

Shen Yanrong: "Dad, Mom, I’ve seen Cousin Brother and Cousin Sister, but there’s one cousin I haven’t met. I heard she’s quite a good girl. Can I go see her in the city?"

Shen Yanguo frowned: "But we don’t have any suitable gifts for meeting our cousin. How can we go see her?"

Shen Yanrong lived up to the courage in his name: "I’ve already done my research. I heard Cousin Sister loves honey, and our mountain has it. I’ll go find some honey tomorrow and bring it to her."

The couple felt comforted yet bittersweet, seeing their children eager to meet this cousin.

They thought, if it weren’t for this eleven-year gap, perhaps the children would have such a close relationship they’d envy.

Su Lianyun: "Dear, let’s split the family. All these years, our third house has been oppressed by the eldest, and our parents always favor the eldest’s family. Our children endure hardship, inside and out it’s us doing the work, but we gain nothing in return. Otherwise, we couldn’t even secretly help Fanghua a little over the years. I see the eldest’s family for what they are; even their three kids take after them. We’d better split quickly, to protect our relationship with Fanghua. If that can’t be restored, I won’t let you off."

Shen Fangmai: "...Don’t worry about me bringing it up; wait and see, the eldest will mention it first. Then we’ll give up the house here and get a plot on the edge of the village."

Su Lianyun was incredulous: "Mai, I didn’t expect you to appear honest but have such grand ideas. How will you build a house after getting a plot? Sell yourself? I’m afraid they wouldn’t want you even if you paid them to."

Their son and daughter covered their mouths, laughing.

Shen Fangmai: "...We’ll occupy the plot first, and then go to the mountain to get some brambles for a fence. We’ll build a small wooden house to live in and plant vegetables and fruit trees in the enclosed area. Our life will naturally go on."

Su Lianyun’s eyes lit up, as did those of her son and daughter. They were all hardworking, not worried about making a living, the key was staying away from the eldest’s family.

On Jiang Mingyue’s side, after tidying up the dishes, Uncle Mute arrived under the cover of night.

"Uncle Mute, please sit." Jiang Mingyue made room, and took out the good tea Brother Xie recently brought back to serve him.

"This tea is nice."

"If Uncle Mute likes it, I’ll pack some for you to take home later."

Uncle Mute didn’t refuse.

"I came to discuss opening a door in the wall to make it easier for us to visit. But rest assured, the clever rabbit has three burrows. This place isn’t a hideout; we’re just living here—just like you go to work. Anything important will be discussed at another location. Of course, Mr. Jiang’s business is an exception."

Jiang Mingyue was truly relieved this time. No wonder Pan dared to choose this populated place.

"Great! You should have separated your home from the base long ago. Better safe than sorry. I agree with the door opening. You decide where to do it. Let me know if you need anything."

In truth, she just wanted to be hands-off.

Uncle Mute was very pleased to get the approval. Now he could bring Yueyue meals daily.

Jiang Ming’an overheard and also demanded a door.

"Uncle Mute, I’ll need your people for help." He wanted to make a round archway between number 43 and 42, to ease the flow.

Uncle Mute agreed readily.

The group that went to Shangwu Yun Mountain returned the next day, bringing Yang the Sixth.

Yang the Sixth was caught but not cooperative, cursing all the way.

At the Southern Institute, his attitude didn’t change.

"Let me go if you dare. You useless group can’t catch big fish, catching me, a small fry, what’s the point? Release me quickly, or else my guys will finish off the three people. Haha! And then we’ll spread the news; imagine the social panic—won’t that be fun? Watching those commoners scurry like ants before the rain?"

"Bang!" An Jian kicked his leg, forcing Yang the Sixth to his knees.

An Jian looked towards Jiang Mingyue.

Jiang Mingyue met his gaze confidently: "The three professors are still alive..."