Chapter 84: Terminating the Liu Family Line

Mother Liu's temper was anything but ordinary when she lost it.

Liu Yan'er shrank her neck, afraid to utter another word.

Lin Xiaodou, who had witnessed the whole scene from the side, couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

She had always thought the brigade leader and his wife seemed like decent people.

Who would have imagined there'd be such troubling matters at home?

Truly, every family has its own hard-to-read scripture.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Lin Xiaodou offered the pastries she held forward.

"Auntie, it's a holiday today—let's be happy. I brought you a box of chestnut cake, it's delicious. Please try some."

Mother Liu was still simmering with anger.

But when she saw Lin Xiaodou's smiling face and the package of chestnut cake, her mood suddenly softened.

"Lin girl, you’re always so polite with me. Next time you mustn’t, it’s too extravagant," Mother Liu scolded lightly, though the smile in her eyes only grew.

This girl was not only pretty, but also considerate in her actions—truly likable.

Seeing her mother smile, Liu Yan'er breathed a sigh of relief.

Unable to contain herself, she gave Lin Xiaodou a big thumbs up.

Sister Xiaodou was amazing; a few words and she had their mother laughing.

With Lin Xiaodou and Liu Yan'er helping out, Mother Liu found her work in the kitchen much easier.

An hour later, the brigade leader—Father Liu—returned.

He had left before dawn to take the ox cart to the town's supply co-op and only now finished his errands.

Upon arrival, Father Liu shooed Lin Xiaodou and Liu Yan'er out of the kitchen.

"You two go outside and have some White Rabbit candies. I’ll handle things here."

"Hooray! White Rabbit candies!"

The mention of milk candies made Liu Yan'er leap with joy.

She affectionately hooked her arm through Lin Xiaodou’s. "Come on, Sister Xiaodou, let’s go eat some candy!"

White Rabbit milk candies from the seventies were rich and creamy, with a truly pure taste.

Lin Xiaodou tried one and was sincerely impressed.

Seeing her enjoy it, Liu Yan'er grabbed a handful and pressed them into Lin Xiaodou's palm.

"Sister Xiaodou, have a few more—there’s plenty here."

Lin Xiaodou replied, "Thank you."

This girl was generous; Lin Xiaodou resolved to bring her something tasty in return.

That was Lin Xiaodou’s way.

Anyone who treated her well would get even more in return.

At lunchtime, Brother Liu arrived with his wife.

"Father, Mother."

Brother Liu scratched his head awkwardly.

His wife wore the same sour expression as before.

Father Liu nodded, "Now that you’re back, let’s eat. It’s rare for us all to be together."

Earlier in the kitchen, his wife had grumbled to him about what had happened that day.

He’d felt his own anger rising, but since his son had finally come home, he didn’t want things to get too ugly.

So he persuaded his wife—after all, it was just for a little while. In due course, their son would take his wife back to the army base, so she should bear it for now.

His wife complied, refraining from further outbursts.

Yet her face remained cold and stiff, unmistakably displeased.

Brother Liu, seeing his mother unhappy, felt ashamed.

He led his wife to the table, only then noticing Lin Xiaodou.

He hesitated, "Who is this?"

Liu Yan'er grinned, "Big brother, sister-in-law, this is Sister Xiaodou. She’s a sent-down youth. Father and Mother adore her..."

Liu Yan'er deliberately showered Lin Xiaodou with praise in front of them.

She wanted to show her sister-in-law that their parents liked an outsider better than their own daughter-in-law—proof of how much they disliked her.

Sister-in-law Liu was no fool; she immediately caught the implication in Liu Yan'er’s words.

She snorted coldly, "Hmph, this family must be well-off. Big fish and meat on the table, and they invite unrelated people to dine."

Mother Liu slammed her chopsticks on the table.

"I invited her! What, do you have a problem with that?

If you do, then don’t eat here—go back to your mother’s house for a meal!"

Sister-in-law Liu protested, feeling wronged, "Mother! I didn’t say anything. You're scolding me over an outsider?"

If her brother’s bride price wasn’t still unsettled, she’d gladly leave.

"You think I’m scolding you? Don’t pretend to be innocent!"

Mother Liu could no longer hold back, and spoke her mind directly.

"Tell me, did you come home this time to see us, or to ask for money?"

Brother Liu and his wife exchanged glances.

Brother Liu replied dryly, "Mother, of course we came to see you..."

Mother Liu spat, "Liu Jianjun, I raised you myself. Do you think I can’t tell when you’re lying? You’re still trying to fool me!"

Brother Liu flushed red, hurrying to explain, "Mother, I..."

"Let me speak, Jianjun," Sister-in-law Liu cut him off, facing the two elders at the table.

"Father, Mother, to be honest, we came back because of my brother’s wedding.

Since you already know our purpose, I won’t beat around the bush."

She paused for two seconds, then continued.

"My brother’s bride price and the money for the three big items aren’t enough. I hope you’ll return all the wages Jianjun sent home while he was in the army."

At her words, everyone fell silent.

"What did you just say, daughter-in-law?" Mother Liu still couldn’t believe it.

She looked at her son, searching his face for any sign this was a joke.

"Son, tell me. Your wife didn’t mean what she said, did she?"

Brother Liu hung his head, shamed and silent.

The meaning was clear enough.

Mother Liu’s face went pale, her body swaying.

She never imagined it would come to this.

Her son, whom she’d raised for over twenty years, was making such a scene over his wife.

It would have been better to give birth to a roast pork than a son.

Her heart ached terribly.

"Ridiculous!" Father Liu, who’d remained silent, finally erupted.

"Son, you’d better keep your wife in check. Don’t let her spout nonsense!"

"Father, I’m not speaking nonsense.

Jianjun’s army wages always belonged to him. I want them back—what’s wrong with that?"

Sister-in-law Liu looked perfectly justified.

"What nonsense!" Mother Liu was beside herself with rage.

"My son’s wages before marriage have nothing to do with you!

I raised him all these years—he’s obliged to send money home for our support!

Go ask around, which family isn’t like this?

If you keep coveting the Liu family’s money, you can get out of this house!"

"Fine, you want me gone, then I’ll leave—and take your grandchild with me!"

Sister-in-law Liu touched her belly, face resolute.

"Forgot to tell you—I’m pregnant.

If you refuse to give the money, I’ll go to the hospital and get rid of the Liu family’s seed!"