Chapter 52: Small Explosive Barrel

“Brother-in-law, that’s quite an unpleasant way to speak!”

“You all acted disgracefully, and you’re worried about my words being unpleasant?” Chen Wenqiang spat and paced back and forth beside the hospital bed, hands on his hips. “Chen Yun, you tell me right now, what do you and Gu Shunfa mean? Are you involved in Minmin’s wedding and house-buying plans or not?”

Chen Wenqiang slammed his hand on the cabinet next to the bed in frustration.

The doctor already said that Chen Yun was just making a big deal out of nothing, scaring herself, and that her health was fine for now. So, he figured he should vent his frustrations during this moment; otherwise, when he got home, He Jingxian would just say he was going through menopause.

“Uncle, Aunt.” The uncle’s voice was loud just now, so she knocked a few times on the door. Besides her aunt, who was half-reclining and facing the door, no one else noticed her.

Before coming in, she had planned to roll up her short sleeves to help her uncle, but upon entering…

Looking around, her aunt was silent with her head down, as was Gu Minmin. Only her uncle and Grandma Gu were the most agitated. If you ask her, they were all outsiders; no matter how involved they got, it ultimately depended on what the parties involved thought.

No wonder her aunt said her uncle was going through menopause; he was acting just like a fiery dragon, completely losing his reason. Although he was making a fuss, it was just to vent his feelings, but it didn’t actually help at all.

When Chen Wenqiang saw his “favorite disciple” and “capable assistant” arrive, his anger eased a bit. He pulled a chair over and sat down. “Third Sister, you talk to them.”

Chen Yongxin, who had just finished a phone call and reached the door, almost blacked out upon hearing this. So his dad was tired from venting his frustrations and was asking his sister to take over, right?

One of his dad was already enough of a hothead, and now with Third Sister, a little dynamite, the hospital staff would probably come to kick them out soon.

Chen Jin patted her uncle’s back to help him calm down, then turned to her aunt, saying bluntly, “Aunt, Uncle is not young anymore. Day in and day out, he runs around for your sake, trying to find you an experienced gynecologist. I don’t know how many favors he’s spent in the process. Uncle has already worried enough about this. What you and Uncle think is none of our business, but I feel it’s unnecessary to keep going back and forth about this. Just give Uncle a call and have him come over so we can lay everything out on the table. If there’s anything we can help with, we will, but if not, you all can communicate internally.”

“Simply put, we don’t need to covet anything from you and Uncle; there’s no need to be on guard against us.”

If it weren’t for the fact that her aunt was an elder, Chen Jin would have been impatient already; it’s not like they didn’t have a bit of money.

“We just don’t want to play the judge anymore. Just clarify the situation quickly. You can have as many children as you want in the future, and whether you divide your family assets with Cousin Minmin or distribute the money, we won’t ask any more questions.”

Chen Jin turned to her uncle again. “You too, you’ve done enough already. You can’t manage everything all the time, so why worry so much?”

Finally, she looked at Gu Minmin, who was standing there looking aggrieved and silent. “Cousin Minmin, you should also clarify your thoughts to Uncle. Just say what you want directly. Don’t let Uncle yell and fuss for half the day on your behalf, only for you to say nothing, and then compromise with Aunt in the end, making Uncle worry for no reason.”

Gu Minmin looked up in surprise, wanting to say that Chen Jin misunderstood her. But Chen Jin had already shifted her gaze away, causing Gu Minmin to lower her head and bite her lip again.

“Uncle can’t say some things, and since my mom isn’t overseeing me anymore, I’ll say a bit more.” Chen Jin sighed. “Aunt, don’t blame me for speaking harshly. You should still take some time to consult with a lawyer about how to arrange your assets. You never know what might happen; a will can be changed later. If you don’t have anything, who knows who will get your things in the end.”

Grandma Gu was so angry she felt pain in her chest. “You little brat, this is not your place to speak! You, you’re truly being disrespectful, cursing your aunt here and encouraging her to make a will. I think you’re doing this on purpose!”

“I don’t even want that little bit of money from my aunt. Who doesn’t have millions or tens of millions in their family?” Chen Jin rolled her eyes. “I’m just so annoyed by these old, crazy people trying to find a sense of presence.”

“I think you’re doing it on purpose, wanting my aunt to have a baby at her age. Is it because Uncle is looking for someone else to have a son for him? It seems you all are just hoping something happens to my aunt so someone else can take her place!”

“You’re slandering people! Nonsense! When did your uncle look for someone else?”

“Then why are you encouraging my aunt to have a child at her age? She’s already half a foot in the grave and you still say you haven’t plotted anything? Go ask your family ancestors in the fields tonight if they want to come out and slap you!”

Grandma Gu kept pointing and sputtering in anger, unable to get the words out properly. Chen Jin gave her a disdainful glance as if to say, “You old hag, don’t push me to curse you!”

Chen Yun felt uncomfortable being scolded by a younger generation, but Chen Jin’s words had hit too close to home. She wanted a son and was willing to take the risk, but she absolutely didn’t want the business she had worked hard for over the years to be schemed away. If something were to happen, would Gu Shunfa give her things to Minmin?

Even though she and Minmin were at odds now, she was still her own flesh and blood.

“Also, Cousin Minmin, to be honest, whether Aunt and Uncle divide their assets with you is not something we should interfere with. Their belongings are given out of goodwill, and if they don’t give them to you, there’s nothing to criticize. After all, Aunt and Uncle don’t have just one child; if they’re set on having more children, you should adjust your mindset early on. Whatever you receive and how much you contribute to their old age, if you don’t receive anything, then no one can blame you in the future.”

“Regarding the issue of supporting parents, I’ve specifically consulted about it. Even if it goes to court, it depends on your level of filial piety. If there’s no affection, you can just provide according to the minimum living standards; if there is affection, then you should just work hard and serve them like a horse.”

Chen Jin now fully understood why her uncle would get so furious while talking.

Because over here, the two parties involved were giving zero reaction! What do they think? That they’re judges? They can decide however they want without even putting in the effort to speak?

Ugh! Two selfish people! All they want is for Uncle to mediate between them while they test each other’s limits and fight for the greatest benefit for themselves. It’s a shame that Uncle is wasting his energy worrying about one thing after another.

Uncle was flustered by his concern, while Chen Jin, as an outsider, found everyone annoying and preferred to remain uninvolved. If it were up to her, she’d let the mother and daughter argue it out themselves; sooner or later, they’d reach a conclusion. There was no need for an extra person to mediate.

After three minutes of silence in the ward, Chen Jin couldn’t contain her temper anymore. She grabbed Uncle and started to leave. “I told you, they’ve got it all figured out on their own. Why do you still care?”

“Let’s go, let’s go; it’s making me feel suffocated to stay here.”

“Hey, brother, brother! I have some matters at the company that I can’t get away from. I didn’t know that Min Min and Chen Ying ended up in the hospital.”

Gu Shunfa arrived late, just in time to catch Chen Jin trying to pull Chen Wenqiang away.

Chen Wenqiang’s simmering anger flared up again. “You don’t know anything, do you? It’s easy to be a hands-off manager! As if your wife isn’t your responsibility? Min Min and Chen Ying’s kids aren’t yours either?”

After venting his anger, he genuinely didn’t want to deal with it anymore. Third Sister was right; they all had their plans, while he was just flailing about in frustration.

“Fine, I’m too lazy to get involved in your family matters. Since I’m here today, you three need to clarify things quickly. After that, don’t bother calling me again. Whether you decide to have kids or not buy a wedding house for them—whatever nonsense you come up with—I don’t want to hear it.”

After all, he was a company owner, and even though he was getting older, he still wanted to make a final push in his career. He didn’t have the time or energy to get involved in their personal dramas or court disputes. Third Sister was right; it was best to let them figure things out themselves.

When Mrs. Gu saw Gu Shunfa arrive, she felt reassured and spoke more confidently. She shared the idea of urging Chen Ying to write a will to divide her assets among Gu Minmin, convinced that Chen Jin and the others had ulterior motives.

However, Gu Shunfa didn’t think that way. Chen Ying’s brothers and niece had their own substantial assets; they wouldn’t covet Chen Ying’s three stores. But he didn’t agree with the idea of a will either.

Chen Jin interjected, “At this point, regardless of Aunt or Uncle, everything you have is considered community property. Even if Aunt writes a will, she can only leave her half to cousin Minmin. If you want to divide things clearly, you’ll need to consult a lawyer—I’m not familiar with that.”

Chen Wenqiang stroked his chin, pondering Chen Jin’s words. Suddenly, he realized his own assets were also murky. He didn’t intend to divide things with He Jingxian, but his company had clearly stated it would be passed down to Yongxin. He would need to consult Lawyer Mo for more information.

You never know what could happen. It’s not wise to gamble with fate.

“What do you want to do?” Chen Wenqiang sat back down.

Noticing Chen Jin standing awkwardly against the wall, he told her to grab a chair and sit. Standing was exhausting.

As for whether Mrs. Gu had a chair, who cared? If she wanted to stand, let her stand a bit longer and shake out some of the nonsense in her head.

Gu Minmin glanced at her parents, took a deep breath, and resolutely said, “Let’s see how you two divide things. Chen Jin is right; everything in this house has been saved up by you. You’ve raised me for over twenty years, pouring in your money and effort. Whether you give me any inheritance or not, I will still fulfill my responsibility for your old age. However,”

Her voice choked up with emotion, “Whatever you give me, I’ll match with my own effort. My brother is your child, so what happens to him has nothing to do with me. You don’t need to expect me to take care of him; I won’t do it. Call me ungrateful or whatever you like. Just do as you wish.”

“Uncle, thank you for your concern about my family’s matters. Please don’t worry about it anymore. I’m not a child, and I won’t fall apart without my parents. My salary is enough for me to live.”

Chen Jin’s point was clear: whether Uncle intervened or not didn’t matter; it mainly depended on her parents and herself. Chen Jin was right; she needed to adjust her mindset. As an only child, she used to think everything in the family would eventually be hers. But now, things were different—her parents wouldn’t have only her but also the son they valued more.

Reflecting on the conflicts she had with her parents over the past few days, she suddenly felt a bit ridiculous. She had tried to provoke them to gain their attention and compromise, but her parents didn’t seem to care. Otherwise, when she mentioned wanting to buy an apartment in beautiful Community, her mom half-jokingly suggested she write an IOU.

When her mother said that, even in July, it felt like standing in December wearing short sleeves, sending chills down her spine.

She had previously thought Chen Jin was pitiful, with only her mother to rely on and worse living conditions. But looking back now, she realized she couldn’t compare to Chen Jin. Even without a father, her second aunt had poured all her efforts into Chen Jin. Her mother seemed to care for her, but it was really a matter of having no other choice.

Before this, she had struggled to swallow her pride and felt humiliated but didn’t want to sever ties with her parents. She had thought to ask Uncle to help her fight for her rights. But now, she had completely lost the will to fight.

She even thought of giving up everything, taking Chen Jin’s advice to fulfill her legal obligations for her parents’ old age, and treating it as the end of her relationship with them.

After calming down a bit, she felt even more convinced that it was better not to fight. She was only 24 and was just getting ready to marry her partner. They were both teachers with jobs, and they could slowly save up; eventually, they would be able to afford a house. But if they took their money now, how would she be able to live her own life later? Or as her uncle said, would she have to continue being a free nanny for her brother?

Gu Minmin’s mind was unusually calm and rational as she resolutely stated, “Mom and Dad, you can handle your own matters. You don’t need to inform me in the future.”

Chen Wenqiang frowned deeply, “Aren’t you and your partner going to buy a wedding house to get married?”

“I…”

“Minmin.” Lin Sen had rushed over upon hearing the news. Seeing three unfamiliar faces in the hospital room besides Gu Minmin’s family, he didn’t dwell on it much and walked over to stand by her side, asking with concern, “Are you okay?”

Even though the person lying in the hospital bed was his future mother-in-law, he still chose to first express concern for Gu Minmin.

Gu Minmin had already made her choice with a clear and rational mind, and when she spoke, her emotions didn’t waver much. However, Lin Sen’s concern made her feel wronged all of a sudden.

No one in the world could be more wronged than her.

Chen Jin quietly tugged at her uncle’s sleeve and whispered “suburbs” to him.

Chen Wenqiang quickly understood what she meant and gave her a knowing look.

Then he said, “I think this is how it should go: you should give Minmin a part of the five hundred thousand you invested with me. As parents, you ought to prepare some dowry for your child’s marriage.”

“Uncle, no…”

Gu Minmin hadn’t finished her sentence before her uncle cut her off.

“Gu Shunfa, Chen Yun, what do you say? Is it okay to split it this way? I’ll take the lead and take out twenty-five thousand from the five hundred thousand for Minmin. Once it’s settled, I’ll have someone draft a contract for you.”

Gu Shunfa and Chen Yun exchanged glances, both with other thoughts. Chen Yun looked at Gu Minmin, feeling complex emotions; what Minmin had just said made her uncomfortable. After all, she had raised this daughter for over twenty years, but now…

Chen Yun pressed her lips together, “I’ll discuss this with Minmin’s dad.”

Chen Wenqiang was almost infuriated to the point of collapsing. Did they really need to think about it further?! He regretted coming here today; it was just making him feel worse.

Chen Jin glanced over, noticing her uncle’s breath was already heavy with anger.

It must be hard for her uncle to understand her aunt’s actions; after all, he cared for his own children and even his siblings’ kids, wanting them to do well. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be here trying to help Minmin get what she deserved. But even her uncle knew that Minmin should get some support, yet her aunt, her biological mother, was unwilling to put up half the money to buy a house for her.

If it were because her aunt never liked Minmin before, that would be one thing, but given how well her aunt treated Minmin in the past, the contrast now was striking. It was as if a mountain had collapsed into a valley.

Looking again at the man next to Minmin, he was presumably the one she was going to marry, a friend she had known for several years. They had not yet confirmed their relationship but were planning to hold their wedding during the National Day holiday.

Thus, Chen Jin sometimes found Minmin bothersome; she was entering a serious relationship and wasn’t even thinking of introducing her partner to them. She just set the date and informed them as if they were ordinary relatives. And when things got complicated, she thought to seek help from her uncle.

Earlier, when she saw Chen Ting and Liu Chengzhi on a date, she wanted to approach them to understand the situation. Even if they usually didn’t get along, her relationship with her uncle’s family was good. But if they only maintained a mediocre relationship on ordinary days, when something serious came up, would anyone willingly open their heart to help her?

When there’s a crisis, it’s all good; when not, it’s just like summer and winter.

And her aunt truly was something else. Even after pooling their money and putting five hundred thousand into her uncle’s project, she didn’t believe they couldn’t afford to put up half for the house. It was just that they didn’t want to.

Gu Minmin’s heart grew colder again. If it weren’t for Lin Sen beside her supporting her, she felt she might just collapse to the ground.

Lin Sen held her hand tightly. “Uncle and Auntie, I don’t want to say too much about your matters, but I want to express my stance: Minmin and I will still get married on National Day. As for the previous talk about both families contributing half for the wedding house, we can pay in full from our side.”

He then looked at Gu Minmin and smiled, “It’s not a big deal; in a few days, we’ll go and settle on the house.”

Gu Minmin wanted to say something but found her throat felt blocked, and after a long time, she couldn’t make a sound and could only nod. She turned away from them, facing the wall, wiping her face with her hand.

After a while, she said, “I’ll go stay in the school dormitory for a while. I need to go home and pack my things. Uncle, I’m sorry for troubling you with this. I’ll take Lin Sen to your house for dinner in a few days.”

Chen Wenqiang suppressed a breath of anger but thought that his niece’s partner looked decent and what he had just done seemed reliable. He forced a smile and said, “Alright, we’ll find a time to meet the relatives at home. The house matter isn’t urgent; I know people, so it’ll be better than you buying it yourself.”

Lin Sen glanced at Gu Minmin and saw her nod, then said, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Having said that, Gu Minmin didn’t look back at her parents but directly pulled Lin Sen away.

Chen Wenqiang didn’t want to stay any longer either. “We’re leaving too. Don’t call me for no reason in the future.”

How irritating.

However, after coming here, he felt cold towards Chen Yun, his younger sister. If she treated her own daughter this way, how could he expect her to care for her siblings when they encountered difficulties in the future?

Gu Shunfa and Chen Yun were startled by his cold tone and hurriedly said they hadn’t thought it through earlier and wanted to discuss it with their elder brother again.

Seeing them still wanting to talk, Chen Jin felt everyone had calmed down, and they should be able to reach an agreement. This was no longer something she could meddle in. Finding the room stuffy, she walked downstairs for some fresh air.

“Just now, you looked quite imposing.” Chen Yongxin chased after her, hands in pockets, glancing at Chen Jin sideways. “Who did you learn that from? You popped up like a ghost; aren’t you scared living alone?”

Chen Jin wanted to look up at the banner hanging on the high wall ahead to see what it said, but the sunlight suddenly stung her eyes. she raised her hand to shield them and saw the banner read, “Have fewer children and more trees.”

“I’m scared. When I was traveling in Xi’an with my friends, we watched a zombie movie. I wasn’t scared while watching it, but now I realize I remember the scenes from the movie very clearly. I’m a little scared, and saying it out loud makes it easier for everyone to share the fear.”

Chen Jin let out a sigh of relief.