Chapter 39

“Big Brother.” Lan Yun’er suddenly laughed, but her laughter was laced with sarcasm. She gave Huo Junda a disdainful look and said, “I thought the most shameless person in this world was Sister-in-law, but it turns out you, Big Brother, are just as shameless as she is. You two really are a perfect match.”

Even with his thick skin, Huo Junda couldn’t help feeling embarrassed by her words, but his embarrassment quickly gave way to anger.

He raised his hand, ready to slap Lan Yun’er. “Who gave you the right to speak to me like this? I’m your elder brother, the head of this family!”

Seeing Huo Junda’s hand about to strike Lan Yun’er, Huo Jincheng’s face darkened. He stepped forward and shoved Huo Junda aside.

Caught off guard, Huo Junda nearly stumbled to the ground.

Steadying himself, Huo Junda glared at Huo Jincheng and shouted, “Huo Jincheng, are you trying to censored words me? You…”

“What are you making a fuss about all day long?!” Yao Guizhi’s sharp voice rang out from the courtyard gate, brimming with anger.

Hearing Yao Guizhi’s voice, everyone turned toward the gate.

Huo Junda’s eyes flickered. He quickly ran to Yao Guizhi to complain, “Mom, you have to judge this fairly. I just wanted to borrow some money from Jincheng. It’s for Tianbao and Tianhe to have new clothes for the New Year. But instead of lending it, Jincheng’s wife mocked me. And just now, Jincheng even pushed me. He hit me!”

His mother had always doted on Tianbao and Tianhe. If he said the money was for the children, she would definitely side with him.

Yao Guizhi’s expression darkened as she listened. She glared at Huo Junda and said, “New clothes? If there’s no money, then don’t buy new clothes! Do you not know the situation of this family? It’s a blessing they have clothes to wear at all. Do you think our family is wealthy?”

In the past, Yao Guizhi might indeed have sided with Huo Junda.

But now, every time she looked at Huo Tianhe, she felt a surge of irritation. This child had recently called her a “bad grandma” repeatedly, and she felt unappreciated.

Moreover, earlier that day, the team leader had spoken to her, saying Huo Tianhe was a little bully in the village, constantly picking on other kids. If this behavior wasn’t corrected, the child would be ruined.

The team leader had earnestly advised her, so she promised to discipline the child upon returning home.

Looking at Huo Tianhe’s tear-streaked face and blackened teeth, she frowned, feeling even more annoyed. “Why are you crying? There’re no new clothes for the New Year! If you don’t behave, you won’t have any clothes at all!”

Huo Tianhe cried harder at her scolding, swinging his fists at Yao Guizhi. “Bad grandma, bad grandma! I want new clothes! I want clothes!”

Hearing the words “bad grandma,” Yao Guizhi’s anger flared. She glared at Huo Tianhe, clenching her teeth. “This child… I raised an ingrate!”

Huo Junda quickly pulled Huo Tianhe aside, reassuring Yao Guizhi with a forced smile. “Mom, Tianhe doesn’t know any better. Don’t take it to heart. But it’s New Year’s, and kids need new clothes. Didn’t you always say children shouldn’t suffer? No matter what, they need something new to wear. Besides, our family isn’t that short on money, is it? Jincheng works outside every day. He has money. And Fourth Sister-in-law’s family is wealthy. They definitely have money. So why can’t they lend me a bit? I just—”

“Lend you? How much money has Jincheng already lent you? Have you ever paid him back? Big Brother, that’s not borrowing—it’s taking! You come to us for money constantly. How are we supposed to live? And now you’re dragging my family into this? Should I ask my family for money to help you out? Should my family support you too?” Lan Yun’er retorted sarcastically, completely unimpressed by Huo Junda’s shamelessness.

Her words caused Huo Jianzhang and Yao Guizhi to pause.

It was true that Lan Yun’er’s family was wealthy, but asking her family for money like this was crossing a line.

If word of this reached Lan Yun’er’s family, they might not only feel disrespected but also demand that Lan Yun’er divorce Huo Jincheng. After all, no parent would want their daughter supporting her husband’s freeloading brother, especially one so shameless.

Huo Jianzhang’s temper flared. He glared at Huo Junda and shouted, “Money, money, money! If you want money, go earn it yourself! I know you’ve been slacking off and lazing around in town instead of working. All you do is beg your brother for money. What kind of elder brother acts like you? It’s disgraceful!”

Huo Junda froze. How did his father know he had been slacking off at work?

Yao Guizhi’s anger erupted. She grabbed a stick and swung it at Huo Junda. “You lazy good-for-nothing! You’re just like your wife—useless and a drain on this family! We’re already struggling, and you two keep dragging us down. I’ll beat some sense into you!”

Startled, Huo Junda dodged. “Mom, I wasn’t skipping work on purpose. I wasn’t feeling well!”

But who would believe him?

Yao Guizhi’s anger intensified. She raised the stick again and swung it toward him. “I’ll beat you to death, your worthless piece of trash!”

Watching Yao Guizhi chase Huo Junda around the yard, Lan Yun’er smirked coldly.

Huo Junda truly was a rat ruining the entire pot of porridge.

After watching for a moment, she turned to Huo Jianzhang and said, “Dad, it’s not that we don’t want to lend Big Brother money. It’s just that we’ve decided to lend it to Second Brother instead.”

Huo Jincheng glanced at his wife, surprised by her statement. Was this her plan?

Huo Jianzhang was also taken aback and asked, “Fourth Daughter-in-law, what do you mean? Did your second brother ask you for money? He doesn’t spend much. Why would he need to borrow?”

“Dad, we’re planning to send Second Brother to the county hospital for treatment. His leg must be treated. He has to walk again,” Lan Yun’er said firmly.

Huo Junda furrowed his brow upon hearing this. “Second Brother’s leg can’t be cured. Spending money on treatment is a waste. If you have money, lend it to me. I need it more.”

His words ignited a fiery rage in Huo Jincheng. He glared coldly at Huo Junda. “Big Brother, don’t you feel guilty? Don’t you feel any remorse for Second Brother?”

Huo Junda’s breathing hitched. Did Fourth Brother know something?

Huo Jianzhang and Yao Guizhi were confused. Huo Jianzhang asked, “Fourth, what are you trying to say? Are you implying—”

Before he could finish, Huo Jincheng interrupted, “Dad, Second Brother’s leg was injured saving Big Brother. It should’ve been Big Brother’s leg, but Second Brother rescued him! And now Big Brother treats him like this? Do you think this is right?”

“What?!” Huo Jianzhang and Yao Guizhi were shocked, unable to believe what they had just heard.

Yao Guizhi quickly rushed to Huo Jincheng. “Fourth, what happened? Is this true? Was Second Brother’s injury—”

“Fourth, what nonsense are you spouting?” Huo Junda interrupted, panicking. “Second Brother’s injury has nothing to do with me. He hurt himself. How can you blame me?”

“Big Brother, you’re beyond saving!” Huo Jincheng snapped.

Turning to his parents, he explained in detail how Huo Junli was injured.

After hearing the story, Huo Jianzhang and Yao Guizhi’s expressions darkened considerably.

Huo Junda tried to defend himself. “Dad, Mom, you can’t believe Fourth’s story. He’s lying to frame me. He and Second are teaming up to push me out.”

Still unrepentant, Huo Jianzhang’s anger surged. He grabbed the stick from Yao Guizhi and shouted, “I’ll deal with you myself! Today, I’ll beat you to death!”

This time, fear showed on Huo Junda’s face. He backed away, stammering, “Dad, you can’t believe them. They’re ganging up on me!”

Huo Jianzhang’s eyes were bloodshot as he raised the stick and charged. “You worthless scoundrel! I’ll beat you to death!”