Chapter 388: The Achilles' Heel
Chapter 388: The Achilles' Heel
In the evening, Lu Jiaxin received a phone call from Landlady Lu, informing her about Lu Shan's adoption into Lu Hongjun's family.
Landlady Lu explained, "I respected your disagreement before and let it go. But this time, it was my father-in-law's decision, and I didn't dare contradict his wishes. I initially thought he would choose Taozi, but I never expected him to favor Shanzi."
Lu Jiaxin recalled Lu Hongjun's previous words; it seemed he wasn't trying to deceive her but genuinely feared loneliness and desired grandchildren. Lu Shan was already married with three children, and both he and his wife were honest, diligent, and hardworking. Compared to the clever and versatile Lu Tao, Lu Shan was a more reliable choice.
Noticing her silence, Landlady Lu continued, "Jiaxin, if you disagree, I'll talk to my father-in-law tomorrow and ask him to drop the idea."
Lu Jiaxin felt that adoption was unnecessary, but if they all agreed, she wouldn't interfere. "We should ask Lu Shan and Da Mai for their opinions. If they consent, I have no objections."
Upon hearing this, Landlady Lu laughed and said, "Shanzi said he would respect your wishes. If you're unwilling, he won't go through with the adoption. You don't know, but when I mentioned giving him the house in the residential compound, he got upset and said he couldn't forget kindness and turn his back on gratitude."
Lu Jiaxin was pleased to hear this. "Since Shanzi agrees, let's respect Grandfather's wishes. After this matter is settled, ask Shanzi and Da Mai to bring the children to visit my father. Emotions run deep, and as their bond strengthens, he'll leave everything in Shanzi and Gou Dan's hands, not Huang's family."
Lu Hongjun's soft spot was having someone to care for him in his old age and continue the family lineage after his passing. Unlike Malili's parents, who were obsessed with carrying on the family name, he simply hoped that someone would pay respects to him during the Qingming and Zhongyuan festivals after his death. By adopting Lu Shan, he could fill both of these gaps in his life.
Landlady Lu hadn't thought that far ahead, but now that Lu Jiaxin mentioned it, she agreed: "Jiaxin, if your father has money and valuables, let Shanzi keep the money, but give the valuables to you."
She knew that Lu Jiaxin didn't lack money, so it wouldn't be a problem for her son to keep it. As for the valuables, although she was aware of their worth, one shouldn't be too greedy. They had already gained more than enough.
Lu Jiaxin didn't refuse because she didn't know what the valuables were. What if they happened to be something she liked? Of course, she wouldn't let Shanzi suffer a loss either. "Don't tell Shanzi about this."
Lu Hongjun could clearly discern sincerity from pretense. However, for the sake of living a comfortable life, he often chose to feign ignorance. Indeed, Lu Jiaxin deeply pitied her original self and found him extremely hateful.
After Landlady Lu agreed, she brought up the subject of Xiao Qiu. "There's a man at the night school who has taken a liking to her. He's good-looking and comes from a well-off family, and Xiao Qiu seems to like him too."
This time, Lu Jiaxin refrained from giving her opinion. Previously, she had advised Xiao Qiu to focus on learning new skills instead of rushing into marriage because there hadn't been anyone pursuing her. But now that a man was interested in her, and he seemed to be a good match, what if they missed this opportunity and she couldn't find someone better in the future?
Landlady Lu said, "I haven't given my consent yet. I told Xiao Qiu to take leave from the night school."
"Is there a problem with the man, or do you not want Xiao Qiu to get into a relationship so soon?" Lu Jiaxin asked.
Landlady Lu indicated that it was a bit of both. "I've met the man, and he's quite talented. His father is a cadre in a government agency, and his mother is a leader at the steel plant. He's a high school teacher himself. I don't mean to belittle Xiao Qiu, but in marriage, it's important to match the bride and groom's families. There's too big of a gap between our families."
Lu Jiaxin also didn't think it was appropriate for Xiao Qiu to start a relationship at such a young age—seventeen was too young and easily deceived. However, trying to stop it might backfire.
Lu Jiaxin suggested, "Second Aunt, since you suspect that this man has ill intentions, you should find someone to discreetly inquire about his background and his family's situation. If his parents are amicable and he has good character, then don't stand in Xiao Qiu's way."
Lu Er-Sao replied, "I'm afraid Xiao Qiu will be taken advantage of. I told her to tell people at the night school that she's helping you mind the store. Why would a high school teacher want to marry a rural girl who tends a store? He's obviously only interested in Xiao Qiu because she's pretty, and he has malicious intentions."
In essence, Lu Er-Sao suspected that the man was toying with Xiao Qiu's emotions.
Given this suspicion, it was understandable that Lu Er-Sao was worried. Lu Jiaxin thought for a moment and said, "Second Aunt, share your concerns with her. Then tell her that if the man is sincere, he should have his parents send a matchmaker to propose formally. She's not yet of legal marriage age, so they can get engaged first and marry next year when she turns eighteen."
In the countryside, it was common for people to marry at seventeen or eighteen.
Lu Er-Sao felt that this plan was a bit rushed, but she couldn't think of a better alternative. "Alright, I'll talk to her about it later," she agreed.
Lu Da-Bo was a decisive man. On Sunday, he called Lu Jia-Zong and Lu Jia-Jie to his home to announce that Lu Shan would be adopted into Lu Hong-Jun's family.
Everyone had already heard the news, so they were not surprised. After Lu Shan knelt down, offered his respects, and served tea, calling Lu Hong-Jun 'Grandfather', the adoption was finalized.
If they were still in their hometown, a feast would have been prepared to celebrate the occasion, inviting elders from the clan and close relatives. However, without any friends or family in Si-Jiucheng, the affair was kept simple.
Lu Hong-Jun, beaming with joy, prepared two large red envelopes, which he presented to Lu Shan and his wife, Da Mai. He also had gifts for each of their three children—a jade pendant symbolizing peace and protection.
With the adoption formalities concluded, Lu Er-Sao and Lu Jia-Zong headed to Xiushui Street to reopen their small eatery. They couldn't afford to keep the store closed for too long, or customers would take their business elsewhere. As for Lu Shan, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to return to work at the store today.
Lu Shan took the opportunity to speak with Lu Hong-Jun privately. "Grandfather, why didn't Grandmother Tang come? Is she unhappy about my adoption into the third branch of the family? If that's the case, I'll ask you not to change the family tree."
If they informed everyone but didn't update the family tree, the adoption would not be recognized by the clan. Of course, he was also testing Lu Hong-Jun's attitude towards the situation.
Tang Sufin was undoubtedly displeased, but Lu Hong-Jun wouldn't heed her objections. "Don't worry about her. As long as I agree, that's all that matters," he asserted.
Seeing Lu Hong-Jun's unwavering stance, Lu Shan felt relieved.
"Now that you're my grandson," Lu Hong-Jun continued, "you need to transfer your household registration here. Only then can we resolve the issue of your children's education."
Lu Jia-Zong had mentioned this before, but Lu Hong-Jun hadn't given a definite answer, not because he didn't want to help, but because he wanted Lu Er-Sao to come to him with her request. Now that the situation had changed and the children were his great-grandchildren, he wanted to resolve the issue as soon as possible so that it wouldn't affect their education.
Lu Shan had been worried about his children's schooling, so he was overjoyed to hear this.
Thinking of his great-grandchildren's nicknames, Lu Hong-Jun frowned. "From now on, don't call the children 'Dog Egg' and 'Dog Remainder'. If those names get out, people will laugh at them."
Lu Shan was so happy that he readily agreed. "When I return, I'll tell my parents and Da Mai that we won't use their nicknames anymore," he promised.
Lu Hong-Jun was pleased to see Lu Shan's obedience. All he asked for in a stepson was filial piety and obedience; it didn't matter if he wasn't the most capable. Fortunately, Lu Shan now understood this principle, and it wasn't too late.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
