Chapter 263: Lu Hongjun Compromises
Chapter 263: Lu Hongjun Compromises
The antiques collected by Lu Hongjun were originally intended for his nephews. In his mind, his nephews were the ones who would carry on the Lu family name, while his daughters would eventually marry into other families. Of course, this didn't prevent them from taking care of him in his old age. It was also because of this thought that he inadvertently mentioned it in front of Lu Jiaxin.
After Lu Jiaxin finished speaking, she turned around and said to Gu Wenfeng, "Brother Gu, you should leave now. Your wife and children are definitely waiting for you at home."
Gu Wenfeng nodded, but he didn't leave immediately. Instead, he looked at Lu Hongjun and said, "Everyone knows that Jiaxin has good character. If you're in your right mind, you shouldn't refuse her."
Depending on nephews for old-age support is the dumbest idea. Take the Lu family for example. Lu JiaGuang is a man of good character, but his parents are still alive. It's impossible for him to neglect his own parents to take care of his uncle. If Lu Hongjun falls ill, they might help out for a few days, but expecting them to pay for his expenses is out of the question. As for Lu JiaJie's parents, they only know how to take advantage of others and would never offer any support. If Lu Hongjun asked them for support, they would immediately rush over to cause a scene. As for remarrying, Lu Hongjun, being a lecher, would most likely marry a beautiful young widow. A beautiful woman would only marry him for his money. Once she takes his money, who would bother with such an old fool?
Lu Hongjun, aware of Gu Wenfeng's unusual identity, asked, "What if she goes back on her word and doesn't take care of me in the future?"
Lu Ersao couldn't help but interrupt, "Our family hasn't received any benefits from you in the past few years. The last few times you were ill, I asked Jia Zong to take care of you and even had him cook you chicken and fish soups to nourish your body. We only did that for Jiaxin's sake. If you're not going to give your belongings to Jiaxin, but instead plan to marry a young and beautiful widow, then I'll be frank with you. If you fall ill or need to be hospitalized in the future, don't call us because we won't help."
After saying this, she glared at her husband.
Lu Jia hastily reacted this time and immediately echoed, "Uncle Three, I'll listen to my wife on this matter."
Lu Hongjun was so angry he almost fell backward.
Lu Jiaxin, feeling a bit tired, yawned and said, "Second Brother, I smell something burning. I wonder what's burning?"
Lu Jia hastily exclaimed, "My fish!" and rushed into the kitchen in a fluster.
"Give me your answer by tomorrow evening, or it will be considered a rejection, and it will be too late even if you change your mind," said Lu Jiaxin. She was feeling sleepy and didn't want to waste more words with Lu Hongjun. After saying this, she returned to her room to rest.
Seeing that Lu Ersao was ignoring him and Lu Jiasheng was busy in the kitchen, Lu Hongjun stood in the courtyard for a while before leaving.
Lu Ersao had actually been observing him secretly, and she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him leave. If he had stayed for dinner, they wouldn't have been able to eat in peace.
Instead of going home, Lu Hongjun went to find Lu JiaGuang and questioned him about why he had told Lu Jiaxin about his secret antique collection.
Lu JiaGuang was initially taken aback but soon realized that his wife must have told her. He didn't think his wife was in the wrong and asked, "Third Uncle, if not Jiaxin, who do you plan to give those things to?"
Lu Hongjun said, "Most of it will go to you and Jiajie, and I'll also divide some among Jia Zong, Jia Yao, and the other brothers. Now that Jiaxin knows about it, she wants it all."
Lu JiaGuang had actually guessed his intentions, but he never thought about taking those things for himself. "Third Uncle, Jiaxin is the one who will take care of you in your old age. These things should go to her."
Lu Hongjun blurted out, "If you take care of me in my old age, I'll give you all my possessions. JiaGuang, the items I've collected are all valuable, and they will only increase in value over time. If we need money, we can sell a few pieces, and the rest will be heirlooms for our future generations."
He had always harbored this thought but never voiced it until now, when Lu Jiaxin had forced him to reveal his true intentions.
Without hesitation, Lu JiaGuang rejected the idea. "Third Uncle, if I agree to this, what kind of person would I be? How could I face Jiaxin in the future?"
"She'll be in Hong Kong City, and she might not come back for years, so you don't have to worry about what she thinks."
Lu JiaGuang had witnessed how Lu Hongjun used to dote on Lu Jiaxin. Now, seeing how he treated his stepdaughter like a thief, he felt his chest tightening in anger. "Third Uncle, please don't say any more. I won't agree to this, and Xiaojie won't either. This is not how things should be done."
"Don't you think about yourself, at least consider Ping Lu and An Lu?"
Lu JiaGuang remained firm in his stance. "If I consider them, I definitely can't accept this. The country's policy is to allow only one child per family. If we set this precedent, won't the sons consider the property of their brothers with daughters as their own? Won't Ping Lu and An Lu become enemies then?"
Lu Hongjun was left speechless.
Lu JiaGuang said, "Third Uncle, if you agree to give the items to Jiaxin, I'll go with Jiajie to discuss your retirement plan with her."
If the items weren't given to his sister, he wouldn't have the face to talk to Lu Jiaxin about this matter. Moreover, he didn't trust Lu Hongjun. If he was so suspicious of his beloved daughter, who knew if he would turn against them in the future? Helping out occasionally was fine, but taking care of him in his old age was out of the question.
Lu Hongjun asked, "You won't regret it?"
Lu JiaGuang felt helpless. What kind of question was that? "I won't regret it."
Lu Hongjun said, "Go back and discuss it with Xiaojie, then give me your answer."
Lu JiaGuang indicated it was unnecessary. "If Xiaojie wanted your possessions, she wouldn't have told Jiaxin about this. Third Uncle, don't hesitate anymore. Just give the items to Jiaxin."
"Jiaxin is a good girl. I believe she will keep her promise."
Lu Hongjun gave in. "Alright, then call her and tell her I agree, but we need to discuss the specifics in person."
Lu JiaGuang didn't refuse this request. However, he didn't make the call but said, "I'll go to her place after work to discuss this face to face."
It was better to discuss such matters in person, as it was difficult to explain everything clearly over the phone. Moreover, not only him but Jiajie also needed to be involved. Jiaxin would likely stay in Hong Kong City and might not come back often, so they would have to rely on the three brothers to take care of her if she fell ill.
Lu Hongjun said, "Alright, I'll wait for you after work."
Lu JiaGuang dared not let him come. If he did, they wouldn't be able to have a proper discussion. "I'll go with Jiajie to talk to Jiaxin."
Lu Hongjun fell silent. Ever since this girl moved out, every meeting ended in an argument, and they had never had a proper conversation.
After seeing them out of the office, Lu JiaGuang called Wang Xiaojie. "I'll be going to Jiaxin's place later, so I won't be home for dinner."
"Is it about the antiques?"
Lu JiaGuang didn't hide anything and told her what Lu Hongjun had done. He knew that if he didn't tell her, his wife and Lu Ersao would find out the next time they met. "Third Uncle has agreed to give his collection to Jiaxin. I'll go to her place after work to discuss his retirement plan."
Wang Xiaojie acknowledged with an 'en' and said, "Don't let Third Uncle make unreasonable demands. Jiaxin has it tough in Hong Kong City, so as long as it's manageable, that's fine."
"I understand."
(End of Chapter)
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