Chapter 408: Tang Sufeng's Frustration
Chapter 408: Tang Sufeng's Frustration
Lu Jiaxin gifted Lu Shan a shop, and since she didn't intentionally hide it, the rest of the Lu family soon found out. Lu Jiaxin's parents and Lu Jiajie remained calm, after all, Jiaxin had donated a substantial amount and was now sponsoring impoverished students from the Lu clan; it was only natural that she would buy a shop for Lu Shan.
However, Lu Dabai, Lu Shan's father, frowned upon hearing the news. "That child, Shanzi and Damai are capable and hardworking. Why would they need her to buy a shop? If they want a shop, they should work hard and buy it themselves."
Dabai's wife agreed, believing that only what was earned through hard work would be truly cherished, and that too many handouts would foster a harmful sense of entitlement.
Wang Xiaojie, understanding their concerns, called Lu Er's wife to inquire about the situation. After learning the reason behind the gift, she reassured the elderly couple: "Dad, Mom, there's a reason for this. Just put your minds at ease. Jiaxin is thoughtful and considerate; she won't let your worries come to pass."
"Dad, Mom, after Jiaxin started earning money, she donated a lot to orphanages because she wanted to help those less fortunate. But when it comes to family, she will help in times of need, but she won't give money or gifts without reason."
She recalled how they had lent money to Jiajie in the past when he didn't have a place to live, and how that act of kindness had earned them nothing but complaints from Marili.
The elderly couple reflected on her words and agreed.
Xiaojie continued, "Dad, Mom, Jiaxin is encouraging Lu Ping to pursue a master's degree, and she's promised to fund his studies abroad if he gets accepted into a foreign university. She'll cover all the tuition and living expenses."
This time, Dabai didn't object. While giving money and gifts could breed laziness, supporting a child's education was a different matter—it would give Lu Ping skills and benefit his future.
"Then Lu Ping must study hard and get accepted into a foreign university," Dabai said. "He can learn valuable skills overseas and then return to serve our country."
While he was reluctant to let his grandchildren settle abroad, believing it went against their ancestral roots, he wholeheartedly supported them gaining valuable skills abroad to contribute to society back home.
Xiaojie smiled and said, "Dad, Mom, now that you understand the situation, let's keep this between us and not mention it to Pingping. Jiaxin has already spoken to him about this, and without any prompting from us, he's become very diligent in his studies."
Dabai's wife added, "You must make sure Pingping remembers his aunt's kindness. She bought him a watch and supplements and is even offering to fund his education. Which aunt is so thoughtful and caring?"
Xiaojie assured her that she would.
With the matter explained, the elderly couple felt relieved, and Dabai went to share the news with Lu Hongjun.
"You said Jiaxin was only interested in her public image and favored outsiders over her own family," Dabai said to Hongjun. "Little brother, it's not Jiaxin who favors outsiders over family, it's you."
Having served as the village chief for over two decades, Dabai had gained a good deal of wisdom. He believed that Jiaxin's ability to give back to society was commendable, and the fact that she was also helping her family, ensuring their lives improved, was more than enough. If anything, he would have scolded her for giving too much.
Hongjun's first reaction was disbelief. "Big brother, are you teasing me? You're saying Jiaxin gave Shanzi a shop? I find that hard to believe."
Dabai felt that one day, living in the same city as this younger brother of his would be the death of him. "The shop is now legally owned by Shanzi. How can that be false? No wonder Jiaxin refuses to forgive you. If I were her, I wouldn't give you the time of day either. You're so generous to outsiders but so stingy with your own children."
Seeing his agitated state, Hongjun dared not say more. "Big brother, please don't be angry. Jiaxin is a good child, and she is generous to our family as well. I was wrong to doubt her."
Hearing this, Dabai's anger finally subsided. "Jiaxin has done so much for Jia Zong's family, helping them live a better life. It's because they appreciate her kindness that Jia Zong's wife agreed to have Shanzi adopted.
Lu Hongjun couldn't refute these words. Although he had suggested adopting Shanzi at Lu Dabai's behest, he never truly expected it to happen, believing that Lu Er's wife would never agree. So, when she surprisingly didn't object, he was taken aback.
Lu Dabai spoke up, "Old Third, Jiaxin is the most outstanding child of our Lu family. She takes care of our family and will not stand idly by if Jiajie and the others encounter any difficulties. Even Pingping and Annan will have brighter futures with her guidance."
"Old Third, Jiaxin has already done more than enough. You, as her father, should stop making things difficult for her. Otherwise, I won't agree to it first of all," Lu Dabai's wife asserted.
By now, Lu Hongjun dared not cause any more trouble for Lu Jiaxin. Aside from Lu Dabai and his wife, even his nephews and grandsons would turn against him if he tried anything. It was truly impressive how this young lady had handled everything.
Lu Hongjun quickly acquiesced, "Big Brother, I was blinded by greed before, but I won't be like that anymore. If I don't keep my word, feel free to hit me with your cane, and I won't run away."
Lu Dabai's anger dissipated at his brother's words.
Soon, Tang Sufeng heard about this matter, and at first, she didn't believe it. She questioned the aunt who told her, "How is that possible? Shop spaces are so expensive these days."
The aunt replied with a smile, "I asked your niece-in-law about it, and she admitted it herself. Sufeng, Lu Jiaxin is so generous. You're so lucky."
While she said that Tang Sufeng was lucky, she actually felt contempt for her. Everyone in the neighborhood knew that this woman had married Old Lu for his money and house. Although they looked down on her for that, they also envied her for being able to live in such a spacious house with her children. Their own family of over ten people was squeezed into just two rooms.
Tang Sufeng felt extremely aggrieved upon hearing these words. She had originally thought that Lu Jiaxin would be easy to manipulate, but later realized that this young lady was quite scheming. Knowing that she couldn't compete, she brought up the idea of buying a bigger house for Old Lu, pushing Lu Dabai and that shrew out. However, the house was bought in her name, so after Old Lu passed away, she would definitely take back the house, and the housing complex unit was being occupied by Lu Shan's family, making it impossible to retrieve.
Tang Sufeng had tried to make a fuss about it and even threatened divorce, but to her surprise, Old Lu agreed to it. She only wanted to threaten him into compromising and didn't actually want a divorce. Her eldest daughter and son were still in school, and since her eldest son refused to give up the two rooms they occupied, she had no choice but to promise that her second son would save up to buy a place for his younger siblings. If they got divorced, the two younger children wouldn't be able to continue their studies, and she wouldn't be able to keep her promise to her second son either. More importantly, if they divorced, they would have to move out, and with no place to stay, they would have to rent, which would be unaffordable.
When Lu Hongjun returned from bird-walking in the park, Tang Sufeng asked, "I heard that Jiaxin bought Shanzi a shop. Is that true?"
Lu Hongjun hung the two painted-brow finches under the eaves and smiled, "Yes, I've seen the shop. It's not only in a good location but also quite spacious."
"It must have cost a lot, then?" Tang Sufeng asked.
Lu Hongjun nodded, "Yes, I asked around, and the smaller shop next to it is already worth over 70,000 yuan. With this shop, Shanzi won't need to work at Xiuhui Street anymore. He can open his own noodle restaurant."
Tang Sufeng's jealousy turned her eyes red, "Old Lu, what kind of business is Jiaxin in? How does she have so much money?"
Lu Hongjun played with the birds and casually replied, "She's in the clothing and foreign trade business. She has a talent for fashion design, and her foreign trade business is doing well too."
Dear readers, the double monthly ticket event only happens during the May Day, National Day, and New Year holidays. Don't forget to cast your monthly tickets early; don't wait until the end of the month!
(End of Chapter)
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