https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-546-The-Challenges-of-Being-a-Noble-s-Daughter-in-Law/12580340/
Chapter 547: The Gambling God's Big Loss
Chapter 547: The Gambling God's Big Loss
The summer night sky was a beautiful sight, and Lu Jiaxin loved to take walks under its starry canopy. As she strolled alongside Nie Zhan, they chatted casually. Nie Zhan asked, "Jiaxin, I heard Sister-in-law Shi Meng came to see you today. What did she want?"
Lu Jiaxin teased, "How did you know Shi Meng came to see me? Did you have me watched?"
Nie Zhan jumped in surprise at the accusation. "No, no! Brother Feng told me. He mentioned that she hasn't been in a good mood lately and asked you out for lunch today."
"She said she wants a divorce," Lu Jiaxin replied.
"What? She wants a divorce?" Nie Zhan exclaimed in shock.
Seeing his startled expression, Lu Jiaxin indignantly added, "After having three children, they still want her to have another, without considering if her body can take it. Are they treating their daughter-in-law like a baby-making machine?"
Nie Zhan, aware of Hu Zifen's extramarital affair, tried to calm her, "The older generation believes that more children bring more blessings. Brother Feng has tried talking to them, but they won't listen, and he's at his wit's end."
Lu Jiaxin scoffed, "He just says it's impossible, and then Shi Meng has to endure the pain of childbirth again and the burden of raising another child. Instead of helping her, he goes off to his mistress because the atmosphere at home is bad."
Nie Zhan knew about Hu Zifen's mistress, and he chose his words carefully, not wanting to say the wrong thing and incur Lu Jiaxin's wrath. "Jiaxin, Sister-in-law didn't mention divorce, did she?"
While he was indeed startled by the initial revelation, upon further thought, he found the idea of divorce improbable. Aside from the fact that the Hu family needed the support of the Zong family, who were currently in decline, Shi Meng adored her three children and would never consider divorce.
Lu Jiaxin huffed, "No, she didn't. She came to ask for the address of the doctor who helped me with my health issues. After having three children, her body has taken a toll, and she wants to ensure she's in good health before trying for a fourth."
"So, did you give it to her?" Nie Zhan asked eagerly.
Lu Jiaxin eyed him suspiciously. "Why are you so uninterested in this matter?"
Nie Zhan, despite his imposing demeanor outside, was honest with Lu Jiaxin. "Sister-in-law has been arguing with Brother Feng lately, and now she's come to you... Jiaxin, you're used to being independent. If you were in her shoes, you would have left by now."
Lu Jiaxin understood his concern—he was worried that she would encourage Zong Shi Meng to divorce. Whether it was now or thirty years later, she would never advise someone to get a divorce unless they were very close and the man was abusive or addicted to gambling or drugs.
Pretending to be angry, she said, "Do you think I'm the kind of person who stirs up trouble?"
Nie Zhan quickly denied it and explained, "You see Sister-in-law Shi Meng as an elder sister, and now that she's being forced to have a fourth child, you must feel for her. But Jiaxin, we shouldn't interfere in other people's marital affairs."
He was particularly cautious because Lu Jiaxin had supported Yu Meotong's decision to call off her wedding, even offering her assistance. Now that Zong Shi Meng was facing a similar predicament, he worried that Lu Jiaxin might give her ill-advised suggestions in a fit of righteous anger.
Lu Jiaxin rolled her eyes dramatically, "Meotong's situation is different from Shi Meng's. Meotong wasn't married, had no children, and is a jewelry designer. She didn't have to tie her life to a worthless man. She made the decision to divorce on her own, and I supported her. Shi Meng, on the other hand, has been married into the Hu family for eleven years. She's accustomed to being a full-time housewife, and with three children, she won't consider divorce."
"Shi Meng herself hasn't even thought about divorce. How could I possibly encourage her to do so? I'm not trying to pick a fight with the Hu family," Lu Jiaxin clarified.
If the person involved didn't want a divorce, it would be wrong to persuade them otherwise. Doing so might even lead to resentment if they did end up divorcing. That's why it was best not to interfere in such personal matters.
"Jiaxin, I'm sorry, I misunderstood," Nie Zhan apologized.
Lu Jiaxin glanced at him and said, "When Shixin wanted to call off her engagement with Tao Yong, I knew she would regret it, but I didn't say anything. Firstly, because I knew it wouldn't make a difference, and secondly, because I believe adults should take responsibility for their actions.
Nie Zhan repeatedly apologized, especially since he and Hu Zifen had been friends for so many years, and he truly didn't want their relationship to sour over these issues. He cherished their friendship as he didn't have many friends whom he treated with sincerity.
Lu Jiaxin, understanding his thoughts, brought up Nie Manlin, "Shi Meng is only 32 this year. She feels that her body isn't what it used to be and doesn't want to have another child. But your mother is 52. Why is she being so stubborn?"
A pregnancy at 35 years old was already considered high-risk, and at 52, the risks were exponentially higher. There was a significantly increased probability of pregnancy-related complications and health issues for the mother. Additionally, the chances of the child experiencing distress, asphyxia, or birth defects were also several times higher.
Nie Zhan fell silent for a moment before replying, "She's already been hospitalized to protect the pregnancy."
Lu Jiaxin was unaware of this development. Given that Nie Zhan didn't favor Nie Manlin, and Lu Jiaxin herself wasn't fond of discussing such romance-focused topics, she had forgotten about her until the topic of childbirth came up. She never expected that Nie Manlin would be hospitalized so soon to protect her pregnancy. Honestly, she couldn't understand what Nie Manlin was thinking.
"She called me last week and asked me to transfer one million yuan to her, but I refused," Nie Zhan said. "If she doesn't have the money, she shouldn't have another child. There's no reason for me to support her decision."
Now that she was hospitalized and needed money, she was turning to him. If he gave in, his mother, with her greedy nature, would surely expect him to contribute to the child's upbringing as well. Every year, he and his company donated tens of millions of yuan to charity. He would rather donate that money than let his mother use it to raise her new siblings.
Lu Jiaxin was at a loss for words, "And then?"
"My aunt transferred her one million yuan, but she'll have to pay it back," Nie Zhan said.
"Can she afford to pay it back? Won't it eventually fall on you anyway?" Lu Jiaxin asked.
Nie Zhan wasn't worried about that. He explained, "When my great-grandmother passed away, she divided her personal fortune into two halves, one for my aunt and the other for my mother. But because of my mother's spendthrift nature, my grandfather was afraid she wouldn't be able to hold onto it, so he's keeping it for her. However, after my grandfather passes away, this portion of the fortune will definitely go to her."
"My great-grandmother's family business was very successful when she got married, and her dowry was extremely generous. Over the years, she accumulated even more valuable possessions. All of these things are worth a lot of money," Nie Zhan added.
His grandfather also had a substantial private collection, which would likely be divided among their four brothers. However, the portion left by his great-grandmother would remain unchanged.
Lu Jiaxin suggested, "Once you get your hands on that fortune, give it to your mother, and she'll quickly spend it all. If you want to avoid being burdened by her in the future, you should give it to her."
If it were an ordinary person dealing with a deadbeat parent, they might just provide the minimum required child support or even move to another province to work and avoid being found. However, as a prominent figure in society, one's reputation was at stake, and they couldn't simply walk away. Like that singer from Bay Island, her mother not only ran off with all her money but also spread rumors about her daughter taking drugs, causing her career to plummet. After lying low for several years and making a successful comeback, her mother, having squandered all the money, came back demanding alimony, and not just any amount but a substantial sum. Being a public figure, the singer had no choice but to compromise and pay up to protect her reputation.
Nie Zhan nodded, finding her reasoning persuasive. "I'll find an opportunity to talk to my grandfather about it."
As they returned to the living room, Nie Zhan suddenly changed the subject, "It's been over a month since 'God of Gamblers' was released. What's the box office collection so far?"
Lu Jiaxin smiled and replied, "A few days ago, Tian Pengyu called me and said that the box office has already reached 2.8 million. By the time it finishes its run, it should bring in around 34 to 35 million!"
(End of Chapter)
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