Chapter 407: Jealousy
Chapter 407: Jealousy
Lu Jiaxin knew that Lu Erso wanted to treat her three sons equally, but achieving that balance was incredibly difficult. As the sons grew up and married, their wives would have their own thoughts and desires, and it would be impossible to satisfy everyone's demands. Lu Erso's seemingly fair approach actually relied on Lu Shan making more sacrifices.
In the past, Lu Jiaxin wouldn't have interfered, as it was a matter for the Lu family. Moreover, many elders believed that the eldest son should shoulder more responsibilities. However, now that Lu Shan had been adopted into the third branch and was such an honest child, Lu Jiaxin couldn't bear to see him at a disadvantage.
Lu Erso fell silent after hearing Lu Jiaxin's words. After a moment, she said, "Jiaxin, from now on, I'll give Shanzi one-third of the store's profits."
Lu Jiaxin felt that this approach wasn't ideal. "If you do that, Lu Yun's wife will definitely create a fuss and accuse you of favoring him. Now that Shanzi has been adopted into the third branch and is living in the compound's house, it's best to clearly separate finances."
"Lu Tao hasn't married yet, so he won't mind, but Lu Yun and his wife will definitely be unhappy. However, if we make a clear division now, these conflicts won't arise."
Lu Erso remained silent, thinking about Lu Yun and his wife's behavior over the past few days.
Lu Jiaxin continued, "I'm giving Shanzi a storefront. He can use it to open a new noodle restaurant. Whether it succeeds or fails depends on their capabilities."
Lu Erso couldn't refuse the storefront anymore. "Jiaxin, this storefront you're giving is too big. It's enough to fit two noodle restaurants."
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "Second Aunt, once the business takes off, you'll only wish the store was bigger. But if you think it's a waste, you can divide it into two storefronts and rent out one while using the other."
Lu Erso sighed. "Jiaxin, by doing this, you're making me feel like you're plotting to take over the third branch's assets."
Lu Jiaxin couldn't help but laugh at that. "The third branch's assets are all in my hands, even the compound's house. I was the one who initially declined it, Second Aunt. Everyone knows what kind of person you are, so don't overthink things."
Just then, Miao Na knocked on the door and entered, announcing that Nie Zhan had arrived and was waiting downstairs. Lu Jiaxin told Lu Erso, "Second Aunt, I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll leave the topic of the storefront here. Don't overthink it—just let Shanzi have it."
"Okay, Jiaxin. Then I'll gratefully accept it on Shanzi's behalf," Lu Erso replied.
Lu Jiaxin said helplessly, "Second Aunt, why are you putting it that way? I'm giving the storefront to Shanzi; he didn't ask for it. Well, I have to go now. We can chat more next time."
"Alright."
After hanging up the phone, Lu Erso raised her head and found everyone staring at her. Lu Jiazhong was the first to speak up, asking, "Wife, are you really going to let Shanzi accept that storefront?"
The storefront was forty-eight square meters and in such a good location. They had worked hard in Si Jiu City for over two years, but they still couldn't afford a storefront like that.
Lu Erso was already in a sour mood, and Lu Jiazhong's excited expression only added fuel to the fire. "Why are you so happy? It's because you're useless and weak that this has to happen. If you had the ability to buy each of your sons a storefront, Jiaxin wouldn't have specifically bought one to give to Shanzi."
Lu Jiazhong hadn't expected to be scolded for this, and he rubbed his nose, saying, "It's a good thing that Jiaxin is giving Shanzi a storefront. Why are you angry?"
Lu Yun's wife chimed in, "Yes, Mother. Big Brother has already been adopted into the third branch and received a large house. Now he's getting a big storefront too. You should be happy for him, as these are blessings that are hard to come by even with a lantern in hand."
Lu Yun looked at Shanzi and said sourly, "Big Brother, you're so lucky. Why don't I have such good luck?"
Xiao Qiu thought that Lu Yun and his wife had tofu for brains.
Nie Zhan's mother's words clearly added fuel to the fire, especially given her sour mood.
Nie Zhan's stepmother, Nie Erso, was already furious, and hearing her husband and wife's comments only enraged her further. She pointed at Nie Yun's nose and scolded, "While your brother was working tirelessly at the shop, what were you doing? You were lazing around in your hometown, sleeping in so late that the sun scorched your backside. If it weren't for me and your father, you would have starved to death by now. And you still dare to talk about adoption? Who would want a lazy good-for-nothing like you?"
She then turned her wrath towards Nie Yun's wife, "You lazy good-for-nothing, almost five years of marriage and not a single sign of pregnancy. Yet, you have the nerve to stand there and be cryptic with me. Let me tell you, if you don't get pregnant this year, get out! I'll find Nie Yun a hardworking woman who can bear children."
Nie Yun's wife was left breathless. Although medical examinations showed no issues with either of them, the inability to conceive was often blamed on the woman.
Nie Erso's anger only intensified as she continued, "Starting tomorrow, you two will handle the breakfast shift. Your father and I will take care of lunch and the afternoon shift. If you mess this up, get out and find your own way. I won't support you useless pair any longer."
The two shrank back like quails, too intimidated to utter a word.
Xiao Qiu thought they deserved it but didn't want Nie Erso to continue her tirade, so he spoke up, "Mother, dinner's ready. Let's eat!"
Nie Erso's anger had sapped her appetite. "Shanzi, go home. You don't need to go to the shop tomorrow morning. Xiao Qiu, if you're hungry, help yourself to dinner."
Upon hearing this, Nie Shan immediately left on his bicycle.
Nie Yun and Peng Xiangye also wanted to eat, but Nie Erso spotted them and unleashed another round of scolding, forbidding them from having dinner and sending them to bed hungry. She believed this would help clear their minds.
Damai had set aside a portion for Nie Shan and now served the food. She asked, "Why are you so late today?"
Nie Shan shared the news about the shop, "I told my aunt I didn't want it, but she insisted that I accept it since it was a gift from an elder. Mother also suggested that Auntie take back the shop, but something must have changed her mind."
Hearing this, Damai's heart raced. "What did you say? Auntie gave us a storefront? Shanzi, are you joking with me?"
Nie Shan realized his mistake; in his hurry to get home, he had left the property deed with Lu Jiaxin. "Why would I joke about this? I'll bring the deed back tomorrow. Damai, the storefront Auntie gave us is forty-eight square meters, just a six or seven-minute walk from here. It's very convenient."
He might be a little slow, but he wasn't stupid. He understood that Lu Jiaxin had intentionally chosen this location so he could easily take care of both the shop and his family. It would be impossible to rush home if something came up at the distant Xiu Shui Street, but with this new storefront, he could quickly go home if needed.
Damai was overjoyed, almost to the point of fainting. Once she calmed down, she said, "Shanzi, Auntie gave us such a large storefront. We must take good care of Grandpa and make sure he doesn't bother Auntie."
With her wealth, Lu Jiaxin wouldn't care about ordinary gifts, and they couldn't afford anything expensive. The only thing they could do was ensure Grandpa didn't trouble her.
Thinking of Lu Jiaxin's luxurious car and beautiful villa, he said, "We can't let Grandpa go to Auntie. If he does, he'll definitely want to stay there and not come back."
With the strained relationship between father and daughter, Grandpa going there would only cause trouble for Lu Jiaxin. Since she had been so kind to them, they couldn't let that happen.
(End of Chapter)
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