Chapter 387: Adoption
Chapter 387: Adoption
Lu Hongjun knew that Lu Jiaxin would only send money for his care and would not return, so when he grew old and immobile, he could only rely on his nephews. If they refused to help, his old age would be fraught with uncertainty. As for being stricken from the family tree, he used to value his reputation greatly. However, ever since Ding Jing was sent to prison, his reputation had been tarnished, and he no longer held this concern.
Seeing that he had fallen silent, Lu Dabai prompted, "Laosan, speak your mind."
Lu Hongjun snapped out of his reverie and nodded. "I didn't know about this custom before, but now that I do, I understand that the child definitely cannot be born here."
Tang Sufeng wanted Lao Da's wife to give birth here so that she could also help with the post-natal care. Lu Hongjun, however, found children too noisy and had not yet agreed. Tang Sufeng had been pestering him for some time, and his stance had softened a little.
Lu Dabai felt that his younger brother wasn't completely obtuse yet and nodded. "Initially, you mentioned wanting to adopt a male heir under your name. I intended to have Jia Yao adopted by you, but you and San Dimei favored Jia Jie. Later, when things didn't work out, San Dimei said that in the new society, boys and girls are equal, so I didn't bring it up again."
After saying this, he dropped another bombshell. "But now that Jiaxin has gone to Hong Kong City, she probably won't come back. As your eldest brother, I can't bear to leave you without anyone to pay respects to your grave after you're gone. Laosan, aside from Lu Ping, you can choose any of my grandchildren, and I will agree to it."
Lu Dabai's wife was taken aback. How could he make such a big decision without discussing it with them! But seeing that her husband and Lu Er's wife remained silent, she held back her disagreement.
This matter was too sudden, even for Lu Hongjun. However, seeing that Lu Jia and Lu Er's wife said nothing, he asked, "Big brother, are you serious?"
Lu Dabai's face was stern as he replied, "Of course I am. When have I ever lied? If you haven't made up your mind yet, take your time and let me know before I leave."
Lu Er's wife interjected, "Father, Taozi and Lu Cheng are both civil servants. If they are adopted by you, I'm afraid it might affect their future."
Lu Dabai glared at her. "It was that woman who broke the law. Your third brother hasn't done anything illegal. What impact could there be? Laosan, don't worry about them. I'm still in charge of this family."
However, Lu Hongjun's heart stirred as he looked at Lu Er's wife and asked, "Jiazong's wife, does that mean you won't object if I want to adopt Shanzi?"
Lu Er's wife's eyes widened in surprise. She never expected that he would consider Shanzi. However, the couple had previously discussed the possibility of adopting out their firstborn and had agreed to it, so she didn't object.
Lu Dabai was a little taken aback. "You've taken a liking to Shanzi?"
Lu Hongjun nodded. "Shanzi is honest and hardworking. His wife is skillful and diligent. I'm just not sure if Jiazong and Shanzi would be willing."
Lu Dabai had assumed he would choose Lu An or Lu Tao, as they were the smartest among the grandchildren, but he never expected him to favor the honest and steadfast Shanzi.
"Alright, then it's decided—Shanzi."
Lu Hongjun turned to Lu Er's wife and asked, "Jiazong's wife, what do you think?"
He felt that Lu Jiazong and Shanzi wouldn't refuse, but he was more concerned about Lu Er's wife's opinion. This niece of his was too fiery-tempered, and if she disagreed, she might create a ruckus, which he couldn't handle.
Lu Er's wife didn't refuse, but she set a condition: Lu Shan and his wife must not live under the same roof as Tang Sufeng. "Third Uncle, if you become immobile in your old age and they don't take care of you or don't take good care of you, Shanzi can bring you back to their home to care for you."
Tang Sufeng was so angry she felt like she could explode. Was she being completely ignored?
Lu Dabai's wife quickly added, "This house belongs to Jiaxin. If anyone should leave, it's the Huang family. There's no reason to have Third Brother move out and give the house to them."
Tang Sufeng's face turned green with anger. "I disagree with the adoption," she said. "Old Lu, their sudden proposal for adoption is clearly just a ploy to get their hands on your money and house. You can't let them have their way."
Lu Er's wife, fed up with the situation, retorted, "Third Uncle's pension is being managed by you. Have we ever seen a single cent? As for the house, Third Uncle has already signed an agreement to give it to Jiaxin after he passes away."
Unwilling to let go of what they had already gained, Huang Jianjun and his wife continued to reside in the compound house, showing no signs of moving out. Lu Er's wife had refrained from causing a scene, intending to address the matter once Lu Dabai and the others arrived.
Lu Dabai, as the eldest and most respected member of the family, spoke with an authoritative tone, his face stern as he said, "This is none of your concern. If you continue to interrupt, get out."
This time, Lu Hongjun didn't side with Tang Sufeng. Instead, he said, "Sufeng, I don't want to end up alone in my old age, with my grave overgrown with weeds and no descendants to pay their respects."
With Lu Jiaxin no longer an option and Xiaoxia's grave likely to be relocated, Lu Hongjun feared that his nephews might also become too busy to visit his grave. However, if Shanzi were adopted into his branch of the family, he would have a descendant from his own line to honor him during the Qingming and Zhongyuan festivals.
Tang Sufeng had once considered having her younger son take on Lu Hongjun's surname. But the moment she brought it up, her son rejected the idea, declaring himself a member of the Huang family. He stated that if they insisted on changing his surname, he would return to his grandparents. The eldest son's surname couldn't be changed, and while the second son was willing, Lu Hongjun didn't approve of him.
Lu Dabai made the final decision. "Choose an auspicious day for Lu Shan to pay respects to you, and the matter will be settled. When I return to our ancestral home, I'll have the family records amended."
Lu Hongjun's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you, big brother."
Lu Jiazong had anticipated this development and remained calm. The only one caught off guard was Lu Shan, who couldn't believe he was being adopted by his third grandfather.
Lu Shan, feeling a sense of entitlement as the eldest son, questioned his parents, "Dad, Mom, I'm the firstborn in the family. If anyone is to be adopted, it should be Ayun or Taozi. Why would it be me?"
Noticing her son's displeasure, Lu Er's wife smiled and explained, "Don't overthink it. The adoption simply transfers your registration from the second branch to the third branch. Everything else remains the same as before."
"How can there be no difference?" Lu Shan argued.
When Lu Er's wife asked him to explain the difference, he found himself at a loss for words. Seeing his confused expression, she said, "Silly boy, your father and I are doing this for you and your brother. With this adoption, the compound house will belong to you."
Lu Shan's face paled. "Mom, this house belongs to Cousin Jiaxin. She's been so kind to our family, we can't do something so ungrateful."
Lu Er's wife slapped his back in frustration. "Your cousin doesn't want the house and has offered it to us. Your father and I couldn't take advantage of her kindness, so we refused. But if you're adopted, you'll be a direct descendant of the third branch, and it would only be right for you to have the house."
Upon learning that Lu Jiaxin didn't want the compound house, Lu Shan still felt the need to consult her. "Mom, I think we should ask Cousin Jiaxin about this. If she's okay with it, then I have no problem. But if she's against it, let's forget about it."
He admired Lu Jiaxin greatly, knowing that she had not only excelled in her studies in Hong Kong City but had also built a successful career. He didn't want to do anything that would displease her.
Lu Er's wife nodded. "Of course, I'll give her a call tonight."
She was confident that Lu Jiaxin wouldn't object, as it wouldn't cause her any loss or negatively impact her. With Shanzi adopted into the third branch, even if Tang Sufeng decided to wash her hands of the matter, they could step in and take over his care.
(End of Chapter)
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