Chapter 126: There Are No Perfect Parents
Chapter 126: There Are No Perfect Parents
On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month in the afternoon, Lu Jiaxin's brother, Lu Jia Guang, paid her a visit to discuss something: "Xinxin, Uncle San wants to come over and celebrate the New Year with us."
Given his temperament, after all that had transpired, he was reluctant to be the intermediary. However, upon learning that someone had secretly set their sights on Lu Jiaxin, he changed his mind. He realized that his influence was still insufficient, and his sister needed to reconcile with her Uncle San.
Lu Jiaxin flatly refused.
Lu Jia Guang understood her coldness, but he felt that sometimes, one had to set aside their emotions: "Jiaxin, if you plan to retake the college entrance exams next year, you'll still need Dad's help in finding a school. Furthermore, when you start working, he'll be the one to support you if you encounter any difficulties or injustices. If anyone bullies you, he'll be there to protect you."
Lu Jiaxin retorted, "Protect me? All my suffering and troubles are because of him!"
Lu Jia Guang explained, "Dad has been in Si Jiu City for over thirty years, and the connections he's made during that time far surpass mine. With his network, it will be easier for you to advance in your career and less likely for others to dare to cause you trouble. Moreover, many of his former comrades now hold high positions."
Lu Jiaxin had never intended to rely on Lu Hongjun, and now that she planned to venture to Hong Kong City, she needed him even less.
Seeing her silence, Lu Jia Guang patiently advised, "Jiaxin, I know Zhao Siying and Fan Yinuo have parted ways, and given Ding Jing's nature, she will undoubtedly do everything she can to marry Siying into a prominent family. I know you're good at making money, but without a powerful backer, no amount of money can compete with them. Jiaxin, do you want to be trampled on by those two?"
These dark and manipulative schemes were not something Lu Jia Guang typically wanted to discuss with Jiaxin. However, Zhao Siying was not only beautiful but also willing to stoop low, making it highly probable that she would find a powerful and influential suitor from a prestigious compound.
Lu Jiaxin scoffed, "An ambitious and capable young man from a prestigious compound wouldn't look twice at someone like Zhao Siying. Even if they did, her nature as a troublemaker would prevent any sensible family from welcoming her into their home."
"But what if she finds an older suitor?"
Lu Jiaxin hesitated; that scenario wasn't impossible. However, with her plans to move to Hong Kong City, even if Zhao Siying married an eighty-year-old man with power and influence, it wouldn't affect her.
Seeing that she remained unmoved, Lu Jia Guang said, "Jiaxin, I know you're angry, but if you continue to be this stubborn, you'll only end up hurting yourself."
Lu Jiaxin replied, "Brother, there's no need to keep persuading me. I almost lost my life because of those two, and he just wants to sweep it under the rug and forget about it. What else can I expect from him? And even if I forgive him, can you guarantee that he'll truly treat me well from now on and not just be temporarily appeasing me, only to try and control me again once I've forgiven him?"
"How can there be no perfect parents in the world?" Lu Jiaxin found this notion particularly repulsive. In her past life, she had often come across videos of men or women who, in their youth, abandoned their spouses and children in pursuit of pleasure and excitement. Then, when they grew old and infirm, they returned, expecting their children to support them. What disgusted her even more was how people would try to guilt the children, spouting sayings like "blood is thicker than water" and "there are no perfect parents." If one refused to support their unworthy parent, they could even be taken to court and legally obligated to provide financial support.
Lu Jia Guang's expression changed slightly, and he couldn't bring himself to make such a guarantee.
"Big brother, you can't even assure me of that, so why are you still trying to convince me?"
Lu Jia Guang fell silent for a moment before apologizing, "I'm sorry, Jiaxin. I was wrong this time, and I promise I won't interfere in this matter again."
Shaking her head, Lu Jiaxin said, "Big brother, I know you mean well, but I'd rather not go to college, and I'd rather give up a promising future than have to face those three people again.
Lu Jiaxin knew that Lu Jiaguang truly cared for her, but she felt differently about Lu Hongjun, which is why she felt annoyed. She decided to endure it for a little longer and wait until she had the evidence to send that woman to prison. By then, Lu Hongjun wouldn't be able to get away with anything.
Lu Jiaxin suddenly remembered something and asked, "Big brother, last time we had hot pot, Lu An mentioned that there were rumors in the compound that you might be promoted next year. Is that true?"
Lu Jiaguang's rapid promotion was due to his hard work and capability, as well as Lu Hongjun's influence behind the scenes. If he were to be promoted this time, even with the evidence in hand, they couldn't make their move until after his promotion.
Because if Ding Jing were to be arrested, it would definitely implicate Lu Hongjun. After sharing a bed for so many years, he would know if she had done anything inappropriate. Of course, if Lu Hongjun had indeed done something illegal, then he deserved to be caught. But that would undoubtedly affect Lu Jiaguang's promotion.
Lu Jiaguang had been so good to her previous self, and he had continued to show her warmth and care after she took over her body. She didn't want to do anything that would affect his future prospects. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to wait a few more months to make their move after getting the evidence.
Lu Jiaguang nodded slightly. "There's a leader who's supposed to step down in April, but several people are eyeing that position, so my chances are slim."
With a promotion would come better wages and benefits, which would allow him to save more money. With four children, expenses were only going to increase, especially since the eldest would be graduating from university soon and might be getting married in a couple of years. But he would still strive for the promotion; it would be great if he got it, but if not, there was nothing he could do about it.
After seeing Lu Jiaguang off, Lu Jiaxin's smile faded as soon as she closed the door.
Money Xiaoxiao noticed her change in expression and asked cautiously, "Sister Xin, what's wrong?"
Lu Jiaxin didn't hide her emotions from Xiaoxiao. With a cold face, she said, "Lu Hongjun wants to spend the New Year with us, but I refused."
Xiaoxiao's face twisted in disgust. "He wants to spend the New Year here with his second wife and daughter? Who does he think he's annoying? Sister Xin, don't worry. If they dare to show up, I'll kick them out."
Then she had an idea. "Sister Xin, I'll beat him up for you to vent your anger."
That good-for-nothing father of hers was just as despicable as her birth mother. Back then, he had been afraid of being burdened by her and her father, so he took the family's money and ran off to marry another woman. When she was twelve, he suddenly showed up and tried to reconnect with her, but she had simply driven him away. Later, an old woman in the village told her that her birth mother only wanted her back so she could have a capable child to work for her and her new husband, and then they could also profit from her future dowry.
The second time her birth mother had come to see her, expressing her desire to live together, Lu Jiaxin had obediently followed her home. However, she had then beaten her stepfather to a pulp, leaving him bedridden for a month, and warned her mother that she would do the same every time she showed up. After that, her birth mother had never dared to visit again.
Lu Jiaxin also wanted to beat Lu Hongjun up; it would be satisfying, if nothing else. But it was just a thought; she wouldn't actually do it, as she would be criticized and condemned if she did.
Lu Jiaxin shook her head with a smile. "Let's not talk about that man; he brings bad luck. By the way, Xiaoxiao, do you know how to speak Cantonese?"
"No, but I can learn."
"How did you know I wanted you to learn Cantonese?"
Xiaoxiao felt that Lu Jiaxin was underestimating her. "Sister Xin, you're so good at business. Now that your health is not good, you're staying in Si Jiu City, but once you recover, you'll definitely go back to Yang City. As your personal bodyguard, it will be more convenient for me to know Cantonese."
"Since you understand, I'll hire someone to teach you and Xue Mao after the new year," Lu Jiaxin said. As for Xiao Qiu, she would probably stay in Si Jiu City, so there was no need for her to learn Cantonese.
"Okay!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
