Reborn with a Space: Building a Fortune Amidst Famine

Chapter 1163: Chapter 1163: Not Forgiven

Zhao Qingxiang returned home and saw his eldest daughter stoking the fire while the younger daughter was steaming cornbread.

Zhao Xiaoling and her sister saw that their father had come back alone. They understood that this meant their mother would not be returning.

Zhao Qingjie looked at his two daughters and felt a bit awkward for a moment.

"Xiaoling, you should be making dumplings. Your mom ground the wheat flour."

"Dad, cornbread is fine. Is mom not coming back?"

Zhao Qingxiang sighed, "Yes, she’s not coming back. She said she won’t live with me anymore, and she’ll support you with food and money from now on."

By this time, Zhao Xiaoling had finished making the cornbread, covered the pot, and went out to get cabbage.

Zhao Qingxiang went inside to take off his coat and saw his second daughter still husking corn. "Xiaole, you don’t have to do that. I’ll husk the corn later."

Zhao Xiaole couldn’t hold back any longer and asked, "Dad, how much corn have you actually husked at home?"

Zhao Qingxiang was stunned by the question. He remembered how his wife used to husk all the corn in black and white. He honestly hadn’t husked much.

Zhao Xiaole had never liked her mother since she was little. Her mother always wore her feelings on her sleeve, openly showing her preference for her son over her daughters.

After being away for these past few years, she saw her mother only once a year, and it seemed her mother was much nicer to them. Yet, she still didn’t like her.

This year Zhao Xiaole learned that her grandparents had moved to live with her second uncle’s family, making all the past kindness seem like mockery.

Finally, she realized the importance of having a son.

"Xiaole, I just thought husking the corn wasn’t urgent. Your second uncle’s family still hasn’t turned in their share."

"But don’t we have just as much land as their family, Dad? Are you so capable that you’ve finished everything while others still have so much left?"

Zhao Xiaole was on the verge of losing it. How could she have such a father? He just wanted to show off his abilities in front of others but ended up burdening those closest to him.

In fact, this kind of harm is the deepest and most shameless, isn’t it?

"That’s your second uncle."

"Yes, my second uncle, but why did we have to travel so far to get here?"

Zhao Qingxiang understood everything, but he couldn’t stay angry for long. Last year’s events made him aware of his own issues.

However, seeing his parents so exhausted they couldn’t lift their heads and his younger brother also claiming exhaustion, he forgot about the past.

Zhao Xiaole felt her father was the most annoying person now. He would talk about things on his lips, but it was her mother who truly thought things through for them.

Zhao Qingxiang felt embarrassed by his daughter’s questions.

"That’s different. I at least protect you all."

"Yes, the money at home is earned by mom, the costs for our education are paid by you two.

The food we rely on is also provided by you two. But the one who really took care of us isn’t you.

Dad, you don’t have to say anymore. I believe you’re really not suited to live with others."

At this moment, Zhao Xiaoling came in, "Xiaole, stop talking."

"Sister, if we don’t talk now, what about later?"

The cornbread was ready, and at this moment, Zhixue came over to call them for dinner.

Zhao Xiaole quickly spoke up, "Our food’s ready; we’re not going."

Zhao Qingxiang nodded, "Yes, the food at home is ready. Zhixue, you go eat."

Zhao Qingjie saw his son come back alone. He understood what was going on. "Aunt isn’t home?"

"I didn’t see her."

Zhao Yanli sneered. She couldn’t understand why the second brother was like this.

"Hurry up and eat. We’re leaving soon." If her mother hadn’t come to call, she wouldn’t have gone over to eat.

Zhou Yongbing was helpless with his wife; her temper couldn’t be changed.

An Lixia listened to her daughter’s words, at a loss for what to say. Since her daughter returned, she hadn’t shown a good face.

Now, she didn’t even want to stay. What should be done?

Xu Hongbing was silent, quietly eating his dinner. Zhao Xiaojing was pregnant once again.

Xu Hongbing looked at his two sons. Since the older one returned, he hadn’t spoken a word to him, which pained his heart.

The son probably didn’t realize his mistake initially; it was mainly because Huang Mei threatened to throw him into the police station, claiming he had no manners while he stood by, not defending him.

Haifeng didn’t know anything, and he had no memory of it.

Zhao Xiaojing was feeding Liantang. Even though he was already two years old, either she or Xu Hongbing still had to feed him.

She observed her younger son being obedient while eating by himself without any reaction.

Hai Jun took care of his younger brother. The two brothers, once finished eating, sat aside, seeming out of place with their family of three.

Haifeng was very obedient. Seeing his older brother reading a book, he also sat quietly beside him.

Xu Hongbing didn’t know what to say, seeing his sons’ reactions.

Today, he specially made pancakes to give his two sons a little treat, but seeing their restraint, he found himself at a loss for words.

Lian Tang curiously watched the two brothers. He had greeted them, but no one paid any attention to him.

Now, while eating, he kept peeking at them. Naturally, children want to play with peers, but no one paid him any mind.

Xu Hongbing also had no appetite whatsoever. He watched Zhao Xiaojing finish eating and start cleaning up.

Hai Jun and Haifeng, the two brothers, also helped, as it had become a habit over the years.

Xu Hongbing opened his mouth several times, but seeing his sons’ indifferent expressions, he couldn’t say anything.

After cleaning up, Hai Jun took his brother to another room, where they had already lit a fire earlier.

"Big brother, when are we leaving?"

"Leaving with Aunt. Let’s go tell her now."

He dressed his brother in a coat, put a hat on him, and the two brothers went out.

Xu Hongbing followed them. The two brothers had no reaction.

"Hai Jun, we need to talk."

The youth walking in front didn’t stop. Actually, the second sister had advised him that it was their adult business. They can do as they please.

Currently, there was no hatred for his father; he just didn’t want to interact with him.

"Hai Jun, we have to talk. You’re older now, more knowledgeable. Now I can talk to you, and you’ll understand," Xu Hongbing ran a few steps to catch up to his sons.

Looking at his eldest son’s expressionless face, he thought, wasn’t he just like this back then?

"Hai Jun, I made a mistake. I’ve come to clearly understand my mistake. From now on, I’ll treat you all well. Just watch what I do."

Hai Jun still didn’t look at Xu Hongbing or say anything.

Haifeng turned his head to look at his father; he really had no recollection.

"Hai Jun, it’s not wise to act this way, but whatever you feel about me is fine. I made a mistake, and I’ll change. Even if you don’t acknowledge me, I’ll always support you, because you’re my son, my real son. Who else would I be good to if not you?"