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Chapter 495: The Rising Influence of Lu Jiaxin
Chapter 495: The Rising Influence of Lu Jiaxin
Lu Jiaguang brought up Lu Jiajie, whom he hadn't heard from in months, and expressed his deep concern.
Lu Jiaxin shared his worries and added, "I previously asked someone to look for him in Chang Maozi's place, but we couldn't find him. Now that we've heard he disappeared at the border, I'll send someone to look for him there or in Mongolia. As long as he's safe, we'll definitely find him."
She paused and continued, "If something unfortunate has happened, I'll make sure to have his remains brought back so he can rest in his homeland."
She had warned Lu Jiajie about border trade before. It was fine to invest money, but he shouldn't go there himself. He had agreed, but now it seemed that someone had persuaded him to take the risk. If something happened to him, he wouldn't deserve sympathy, but she pitied his two children.
"Jiajie has traveled far and wide over the years and has encountered many dangers. I believe he will be able to turn bad luck into good and return safely," Lu Jiaguang said reassuringly.
Lu Jiaxin, being pragmatic, said, "Big brother, I also hope that the fifth brother will return safely, but we should also be prepared for the worst. If something happens to him, Qiangqiang and Xiaofeng will depend on you and Big Sister-in-law for care and support."
Lu Jiaguang remained adamant, "Your fifth brother will be fine, I'm sure of it."
Not wanting to dwell on the matter, Lu Jiaxin changed the subject and expressed her intention to bring Gu Xiuxiu back to Hong Kong. "She doesn't recognize anyone anymore. The caregiver I hired not only failed to take good care of her but also gathered a group of people to create a ruckus. I don't feel at ease leaving her here. Back in Hong City, no one would dare to behave like that."
The hired caregiver could not be expected to care for Gu Xiuxiu as thoroughly and attentively as Hong Gu and Mei Gu had. It was difficult to prevent them from being lazy and sneaky, but the incident of creating a disturbance would never have happened in Hong City.
Lu Jiaguang was aware of the situation and sighed, "I was away on a business trip during that time and only found out when I returned. However, that person was detained for fifteen days and fined one hundred yuan."
"Big brother," Lu Jiaxin said, "if this had happened in Hong City, and she dared to bring people to make a scene, I would have sent the whole group of them straight to jail. They wouldn't see the light of day for at least three years."
Lu Jiaguang understood that the laws in Hong City were different from those in the mainland, and he didn't doubt her words. However, he felt that his sister had become even more assertive than before. "It's good to bring her back to Hong City. With you and Haifan taking care of her, no one will dare to bully her again."
They chatted for over an hour before leaving. Lu Zhang, Zhen Zhen, Qiangqiang, and Xiaofeng had all returned by then. Lu Zhang and Zhen Zhen were in high school and junior high, respectively, while Qiangqiang and Xiaofeng were both in elementary school.
As soon as Zhen Zhen saw Lu Jiaxin, she rushed over and hugged her, exclaiming, "Aunt, I miss you so much!"
Lu Jiaguang frowned and said, "You don't miss your aunt. You clearly miss the gifts she brings. Jiaxin, don't buy them any more gifts in the future. They should focus on their studies instead of playing."
Lu Jiaxin recalled that Zhen Zhen used to be a diligent student. If what Lu Jiaguang said was true, then it was indeed inappropriate to continue giving gifts. "Focus on your studies. Only by studying hard and acquiring skills will you be able to afford the things you want in the future. Otherwise, you'll just have to look on longingly."
Zhen Zhen lowered her head and remained silent.
Just then, Lu Shan and Da Mai arrived with their three children. Children grow up fast, and in just a few months, they had all noticeably grown taller.
As they sat down, Lu Shan looked around and didn't see Lu Jiazong and his wife. He asked, "Big Uncle, where are my father and mother? Why haven't they come yet?"
Lu Jiaxin, playing with Gou Sheng, replied casually, "I specifically asked your uncle not to call them."
Lu Shan was about to say something more when he felt a sharp pain in his arm. He turned to see Da Mai giving him a subtle signal to be quiet. Realizing her intention, he fell silent and saw her make a gesture for him to stop talking. It was clear why his aunt didn't want his grandparents there—inviting them at this time would only upset her.
Lu Jiaguang also thought Lu Shan lacked tact, so he instructed him to go and buy some drinks.
Mai Zi told Lu Jiaxin about the noodle shop, and how they had saved up over 20,000 yuan. With a little more hard work, they would be able to buy a small house of their own.
"It's Shanzi's good fortune to have married you," Lu Jiaxin said with a smile.
Mai Zi, however, looked troubled as she said, "Shanzi doesn't want to move. He says the house we live in now is fine, and there's no need to go through the trouble of moving."
Lu Jiaxin laughed, "Don't mind him. Just do as you see fit."
Now that the shop had been handed over, Lu Jiaxin wouldn't be providing any more financial support for them to buy a house. It would only create a dependency that would harm them in the long run. It was better this way—for them to work hard and save up for their own future, a path that would bring them peace of mind.
Mai Zi was delighted to have her approval.
"Grandpa, wait up..."
The only one Lu Shan addressed as 'grandpa' was Lu Hongjun. But seeing Tang Sufeng supporting him, Lu Jiaxin's smile faded.
Lu Hongjun was taken aback at the sight of her, "Jiaxin, why are you so tanned?"
His daughter's skin used to be as fair and delicate as her mother's. He had never seen her so tanned before.
Ignoring his question, Lu Jiaxin turned to Tang Sufeng and said, "This is a family gathering. As an outsider, it's best if you don't intrude."
By directly addressing her as an outsider, Lu Jiaxin was making it clear where Tang Sufeng stood in the family.
Tang Sufeng's face turned red with anger, "Jiaxin, how can you say that? Your father and I had a wedding banquet, so I am a part of the Lu family now."
In this era, as long as a wedding banquet was held and recognized by everyone, it was considered a legal marriage.
Lu Jiaxin didn't want to waste her breath, so she asked directly, "When the time comes, will you be buried with my father or your ex-husband?"
Although it wasn't explicitly stated, the Lu family and Huang family had tacitly agreed that Tang Sufeng would be buried with her ex-husband after her death.
Tang Sufeng emphasized, "Jiaxin, your father and I held a wedding banquet. We are legally married."
Lu Jiaxin gave a light laugh, "Even if you didn't just hold a banquet but had a marriage certificate instead, you would still be an outsider in my eyes."
To acknowledge Tang Sufeng as a member of the Lu family would be to acknowledge her as an elder. She didn't qualify for that position.
Not wanting to upset Lu Jiaxin, Lu Hongjun said to Tang Sufeng, "Sufeng, you should head back."
Lu Jiaxin's eyebrows furrowed slightly. It was surprising that Lu Hongjun wasn't taking Tang Sufeng's side today. Perhaps the sun had risen in the west, or maybe the two of them were just putting up a front while their relationship was strained underneath.
Wang Xiaojie also came out from the kitchen and said, "Aunt Tang, your grandson can't do without you. You've been gone for so long, he must be looking for you everywhere. You should head back soon."
This gave Tang Sufeng a way to save face. After all, it was a rare occasion for everyone to gather, and Wang Xiaojie didn't want the atmosphere to sour.
Seeing that even the hostess was asking her to leave, Tang Sufeng had no choice but to suppress her anger and return home.
Wang Xiaojie called out to everyone, "The food is ready. Let's eat inside."
Upon hearing this, Lu Shan quickly ran out to buy soda and other drinks. Lu Ping supported Lu Hongjun into the house, then went to the kitchen to get bowls and chopsticks.
Lu Hongjun asked with concern, "Jiaxin, why did you tan yourself so much?"
If she answered this question, countless others would follow. Lu Jiaxin said, "You don't need to worry about me. At your age, you should be more careful. This time, you were lucky to just hurt your waist, but next time, I might have to hold a funeral for you."
Lu Hongjun regretted asking the question.
Lu Jiaguang sighed, feeling helpless. He had thought that the relationship between his father and sister had improved, but it seemed that the tension remained.
(End of Chapter)
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