Chapter 570: Passing the Buck
Chapter 570: Passing the Buck
After getting off work, Wang Xiaojie learned that Lu Erbo was coming to the city of Sijiujing for medical treatment. It was a wise decision to seek treatment for stomach cancer in Sijiujing, as the doctors here were undoubtedly skilled. However, the question now was who would shoulder the financial burden and provide care.
Lu Jiaguang said, "I've already called Jiacai. He's taken leave from his boss and will be taking the train tonight. We'll have to wait for Jiajie to call back, as we don't know where he is at the moment."
"One person is enough to take care of Erbo before the surgery, but we'll definitely need more help after the procedure," Wang Xiaojie remarked.
"I'll lend a hand when the time comes," Lu Jiaguang assured.
Wang Xiaojie didn't refuse. It was only right for her husband, as a nephew, to help out for a few days. However, they didn't have the financial means. It wasn't that she was stingy, but Lu Ping's application to study abroad would undoubtedly incur significant expenses. Although Jiaxin had promised to cover his tuition and living costs, it was customary for parents to provide some support. With three children in high school and junior high, social obligations, and the eldest and second sons approaching marriageable age, expenses were mounting. Not to mention that the upcoming weddings would be another substantial financial burden. They were fortunate to have extra rooms in the house for their future daughters-in-law, sparing them the additional expense of finding separate accommodations.
Lu Erbo, accompanied by Lu Jiyao, arrived in Sijiujing. They first stayed at Lu Jiajie's place, intending to head to the hospital once Lu Jiacai arrived. Their destination was Xiehe Hospital.
After a series of examinations, the results indicated early-stage stomach cancer, meaning the disease could still be treated. The doctor recommended immediate surgery, but Lu Erbo, fearful of death, urged Lu Jiacai to pay the fees without delay.
Lu Jiacai felt uneasy. "Doctor, how much do you think the surgery will cost?"
The doctor advised them to prepare at least three thousand, explaining that various situations could arise during the procedure, and it would be better to have more funds prepared.
Lu Jiacai called his wife to ask for money, but to his surprise, she claimed they had none. "I bought a house in the county seat. The children will be studying there next year. Our third and fourth children are doing well in school, and we can't afford to neglect their education."
She had purchased the house after returning from the provincial capital, fearing that her husband would use the money for Lu Erbo's treatment. She despised Lu Erbo and his wife, not just for the verbal abuse she had endured but also for offending the family's breadwinner, causing their family to be left out of any financial blessings. Every penny they had saved was earned through her husband's blood and sweat, and she refused to let that old man benefit from it.
Lu Jiacai was stunned. "You bought a house in the county seat, but what about Dad? What will he do?"
His wife replied, "Jiajie is a big boss now. He can easily afford thousands or tens of thousands. We're poor and can't compare, so we'll contribute through our efforts."
With their money spent, it was now too late for regrets.
"Think about it, dear," his wife continued. "How have they treated you since you were young? They always favored the second and third sons, never giving you a share. Now that he's sick, they expect us to pay and provide care. That's not right. If they ever hit or scold you again, just come back to work."
After a brief pause, she added, "Jiaxin knows about your father's illness, but she doesn't care. She's promised to cover all of Lu Ping's expenses for studying abroad, and I've heard that could amount to several hundred thousand! If it weren't for your father's initial attempt to seize Jiaxin's house, Jiaxin, with her temperament, would definitely be helping out now."
So, they had brought this situation upon themselves.
Lu Jiacai hung up dejectedly.
Seeing him droop his head, Second Aunt had a bad feeling. She asked, "Has the money been transferred?"
Lu Jiacai, with his head lowered, replied, "Da Bao bought a house in the county seat, and all the money is gone."
Before Second Aunt could say anything, Second Uncle flew into a rage and threw the pillow he was holding at Lu Jiacai. "I need money for my treatment, and you have the audacity to withhold it! May the heavens strike you down with a bolt of lightning this instant!"
Lu Jiacai, who had initially endured the insults, became increasingly agitated and retorted, "If I'm good for nothing in their eyes, then they should ask my second and third brothers to take care of them instead. I'm leaving tomorrow." With that, he turned and walked away.
By the time Lu Erbo's wife regained her senses, Lu Jiacai was nowhere to be seen. She assumed that he, like her daughter-in-law, had left and wouldn't return. She continued to vent her anger in the hospital room, cursing and swearing to her heart's content.
Lu Jiacai, who had gone out to buy some food, returned and overheard her venomous words. Enraged, he threw the food on the ground and exclaimed, "Since you think I'm worse than a pig or a dog, then so be it!"
Frightened by his fierce demeanor, the elderly couple fell silent.
Lu Jiacai left the hospital and found a small shop from which he called Lu Jiaguang. He recounted the hurtful words that had been exchanged, saying, "Big brother, Dad and Mom only dote on the second and third brothers. Since they don't want me taking care of them, I'll be returning to Yangcheng tomorrow."
He had taken time off work to come and care for them, which meant a loss of income. Yet, they showed no understanding of his predicament and lashed out at him when he mentioned his financial difficulties.
Lu Jiaguang was also furious. It was bad enough that they were sick, but now they were causing such a ruckus. He regretted agreeing to let his father come to Sijiujing for treatment, as he knew it would only lead to more trouble.
Despite his anger, he couldn't just abandon them. After calming Lu Jiacai down, Lu Jiaguang headed to the hospital after work. To his surprise, when he arrived, the two elderly folks were in tears, accusing Lu Jiacai of being unfilial and even wishing they had strangled him at birth.
Wang Xiaojie, realizing that her husband hadn't returned by mealtime, called his office, and then the security guard when there was no answer. Knowing that he had left work on time, she guessed that he must have gone to the hospital.
The next morning, as the family sat down for breakfast, Lu Jiaguang returned, his clothes disheveled. Wang Xiaojie asked, "Why did you end up spending the night at the hospital?"
There was no need to keep watch over someone who was still lively and energetic; it was only necessary after the surgery.
Lu Jiaguang explained, "Second Uncle and Aunt said they were scared to be alone in the hospital, so they begged me to stay. I had no choice but to stay and keep them company."
Upon learning that Lu Jiacai intended to abandon his responsibilities, Wang Xiaojie, though already appeased by her husband, couldn't help but express her anger. "If Jiacai really goes back to work, who will take care of them?"
There was nothing they could do but find someone else to care for them.
Wang Xiaojie felt uncomfortable about the situation but didn't say anything more. After all, she controlled the family's finances, and her husband wouldn't borrow money for them; he wasn't one to put on a show of generosity.
Two days later, Lu Jiajie called from abroad. He usually called every few days to let them know he was safe and to chat with his children.
Upon learning of his second uncle's illness, Lu Jiajie said, "Big brother, I can't leave here right now. Tell my other brother that I'll cover Dad's medical expenses, but he and my two sisters will have to take care of him. Oh, and I'll cover the travel expenses for my two sisters to come to Sijiujing."
His goods had crossed the border, but he still needed to escort another batch back, which would earn him a substantial profit when brought to Sijiujing or the Magic Capital.
"Okay," Lu Jiaguang replied.
Lu Jiaguang thought that with Lu Jiajie's financial support, Lu Jiacai, along with Peng Jiagen (the second son who had been adopted out) and Lu Hehua's sisters, wouldn't object to providing care. However, when he called home to ask them to come, Peng Jiagen and the Lu Hehua sisters all made excuses and refused to come.
Upon hearing this, Lu Dabiao went to confront them. Peng Jiagen claimed that since he had been adopted out, he had no obligation to his second uncle or aunt, neither during their illness nor after their passing. Meanwhile, Lu Hehua used the excuse that a married daughter is like spilled water, unwilling to return to Sijiujing. Lu Xuehua wanted to come, but her husband stopped her, saying that with his own mother having a broken leg, it was their turn to be taken care of.
(End of Chapter)
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