Lu Tianxing and his companions saw that Xie Sui had matters to attend to and did not let him see them off, leaving on their own. The Zhao family also arrived, dragging Zhao Ledi over and beating her, "You disobedient girl, you're a disgrace, go home with me."
"I'm not leaving. If you don't let me study, I won't leave. Uncle Xie will help me. So many children in the village can study, and I want to study too."
Du Feiyang wanted to stop them, but seeing Xie Sui unmoved, he gave up. He was not a good person himself, and if Xie Ge said his occasional acts of kindness were not feasible, then so be it.
Zhao Sanwang apologized, "I'm sorry, Director Xie. My daughter is ignorant and has caused you trouble."
Xie Sui said, "I already said I would sponsor children's education. What are you making a fuss about? If the child succeeds, it will also benefit your family."
"A girl, what use is it to study so much? We have many children at home, and we expect her to take care of them and do housework. It's not just about money."
Patriarchy, daughters are worthless, disregard their future, only care about not having anyone to work at present.
Xie Sui said, "You're wrong to think that. What era is it now to favor males over females? Girls' abilities are no less than men's. This girl of yours is decisive and willing to endure hardship. The return on letting her study is much higher than working now.
Listen to my advice, children are not your private property. You are responsible for them once they are born."
Zhao Sanwang's wife said, "You speak so nicely, but you have four sons. You speak without pain, don't you? Our family has no male heir to carry on the lineage. We didn't drown them in the basin when they were born, so we've already treated them very well."
Xie Sui's eyes widened, "She's your flesh and blood, born after ten months. How can you be so heartless?
With your family like this, even if you have a son, it's useless. You're so poor that no boy would want to be your son and carry on any lineage. Air?"
"When we have a son, life will definitely be better. Don't look down on us."
"Are you planning to live a good life by selling your daughter? It's not that I look down on you, but you don't deserve to be looked down upon.
Isn't it family planning now? How can you have children?"
"That's none of your business."
The Zhao family felt guilty and dragged Zhao Ledi away. It seemed they planned to have a child secretly and work elsewhere. As long as the child was born, would they still strangle it?
The village chief came over. Xie Sui said displeasedly, "What is this? The Zhaos are indeed detestable."
"They want to go out to work, leaving the eldest daughter at home to look after the younger ones, so they don't want her to study. High school requires going to the county town, and there are only middle schools in the town."
So that's how it was. Du Feiyang only then understood why Xie Sui had stopped him. It wasn't just about tuition fees, but because the Zhao family was troublesome and would become more demanding.
"Doesn't the village do anything? Stifling a good talent."
"How can we manage? It's their family affair. If we interfere too much, they'll just let go and let others raise them."
Everyone had just enough to eat. Who would dare to be so kind and take in more mouths? They could only blame themselves for their unfortunate fate.
Grandma Xie returned from visiting neighbors and heard the neighbors talk about the Zhao family's affairs. She clasped her hands and said, "Don't you worry, Xiao Sui. I'll go scold them to death. They dared to block your door. Let's see how capable they are."
"Forget it, Grandma. Don't get upset. It's the New Year, let's not argue."
Xie Sui helped her home. "What do you want to eat for lunch? I'll cook for you."
"Braised pork knuckles, soft and tender, so Grandma can chew it."
"Okay, we'll have braised pork knuckles."
Du Feiyang also liked Grandma Xie very much. The old lady was very cute and spirited, no less energetic than the young people.
Just as Xie Sui entered the house, several girls ran over from a distance and knelt down to kowtow, "Uncle Xie, Happy New Year!"
Then they extended their hands, expecting red envelopes.
Zhao Ledi was a bit like this; her red envelope was ten yuan. Zhao Sanwang had an idea and made his three younger daughters also kowtow.
Xie Sui: "..."
Are these people smart or foolish? They are really calculating.
Grandma Xie took out red envelopes from her pocket and gave them to them, "Go back. Your parents are really something. They are unconscionable. No wonder they can't give birth to sons."
Grandma Xie's red envelopes were one yuan each, better than Xie Sui's ten yuan.
Xie Sui gave her a thumbs up, "Grandma is amazing."
Grandma Xie sighed, "A few years ago, I gave one cent. Even one yuan pains me."
Du Feiyang was amazed. The old lady was truly thrifty.
Xie Sui couldn't control what happened to the Zhao family's daughters after they went home, whether they were beaten or scolded. He wasn't a saint who could manage all worldly affairs.
Xie Chen and Wu Linlin came to eat. Wu Linlin liked talking to Lin Wanwan very much and helped her with the children, without saying sarcastic remarks. This new daughter-in-law was tolerable.
Xie Min and Xie Lan had returned to their own homes. According to village customs, married daughters returned to their maiden homes on the fourth day of the lunar new year. Some returned on the second day if they lived nearby.
Chen Weimin's family didn't have many people, so he brought the children back to his wife's maiden home on the second day. He called ahead to have Xie Mother cook for them.
Qingqing and Wenwen happily got out of the small car. Chen Weimin was driving a Santana. A Mercedes was too expensive, so he hadn't bought one.
Even this one cost nearly two hundred thousand yuan. Chen Weimin winced, showing off and maintaining appearances came at a price.
"Brother-in-law, Happy New Year."
Chen Weimin said, "Happy New Year, Young Master Du, Happy New Year."
"Call me Feiyang. There's no 'Young Master Du' here. Hello, brother-in-law."
Du Feiyang gave the children red envelopes, one hundred yuan each. Qingqing dared not take it; it was too much.
Xie Sui said, "Take it. Your Uncle Du has too much money to spend."
Qingqing smiled, "Uncle Du, when I grow up, I'll help you manage your money. Don't spend it carelessly. My dad said that earning money is not easy, and spending money requires careful consideration."
Du Feiyang envied, "A daughter is indeed thoughtful. I want a daughter too. I really don't understand why people are so insistent on having sons. If they have a prodigal like me, aren't they afraid of losing years off their lives?"
Everyone burst into laughter. Young Master Du was ruthless in his self-deprecation.
It was thought that this matter was over. The village chief was also trying to reason with Zhao Sanwang, but alas, foolish and stubborn people were truly pitiable and hateful.
When Chen Weimin returned, he inevitably drank and boasted. Du Feiyang got drunk and slept in the afternoon. When he woke up, his head ached a little, so he went out for a walk.
Not long after he walked out, someone rushed into his arms, startling him. He quickly dodged, and the person fell to the ground, "Who is it? Don't you have eyes!"
"Uncle Du, it's me."
It was Zhao Ledi. She had cleaned her face, and her hair was neatly combed, as if greased with rapeseed oil. Her eyes were timid, and she pursed her lips, saying, "Uncle Du, I, take me in. I'll do anything for you."
Du Feiyang's eyes widened in fright, "No, what do you mean?"
"It's, it's that I want to be yours."
Zhao Ledi was a girl, after saying these words, she shyly lowered her head. Du Feiyang broke out in a cold sweat and turned to run back, but Zhao Ledi grabbed his leg, refusing to let go. Du Feiyang was furious, "Let go!" Sudan Novel Network
"No, I really am willing to follow you."