Chapter 10: Standing Up for Someone

Liu Honghe’s eyes were stinging, and his heart was filled with grievance. He burst into tears.

His pathetic appearance stunned Lin Xiangxi. Liu Honghe was always the most boisterous kid in the family, young and quick-tempered. He rarely suffered setbacks.

Seeing him cry, Lin Xiangxi glanced at Hu Meili’s face and, not to be outdone, started complaining.

“Mom, Honghe threatened Second Sister, trying to force her to go to the countryside.”

Lin Xiangnan, never one to miss a chance to stir up trouble, added fuel to the fire.

“That’s right. Honghe threatened me.”

“You two hit me, and you dare to complain?” Liu Honghe couldn’t believe it. He pointed at his red eyes and also started complaining. “Dad, Second Sister used something to spray my eyes today, almost blinding me.”

“Ah? I didn’t, I didn’t.” Lin Xiangnan waved his hands innocently. “Your eyes are red from crying, how can you blame me?”

When it came to disputes between children, Hu Meili and Liu Laoblack either ignored them or gave both kids a good scolding, especially when they both had their own versions of the story.

Hu Meili slammed the table, her voice filled with frustration. “Alright, enough! Stop it. I’m busy working all day, I don’t have time to judge your cases. If you keep fighting, none of you will get to eat. Go stand in the yard as punishment.”

They were all grown-up kids, standing in the yard as punishment would be so embarrassing.

Lin Xiangnan immediately smiled and said, “I’ll help you carry the bowls.”

With everyone sitting at the dinner table, another family war ended in a messy truce.

Liu Honghe and Lin Xiangnan only dared to glare at each other secretly at the dinner table, not daring to argue.

Lunch was simple, coarse grains with stir-fried dishes, light on oil and salt. Coupled with Hu Meili’s poor cooking skills, the taste was really average. Lin Xiangnan finished her bowl of rice in a few bites and quickly left the table.

“I have something to do at school, I’m going now.” She said, grabbing her schoolbag and slipping away.

Once she was out of the yard, Lin Xiangnan took out a piece of bread and a bottle of milk from her schoolbag, finding a secluded corner for her extra meal.

With the food at home, she had to supplement her meals, otherwise, life would be unbearable.

“Sister~Sister~”

Lin Xiangxi’s voice suddenly came from behind, startling Lin Xiangnan. She quickly stuffed the food into her mouth and shoved the milk bottle into her schoolbag.

“Sister, what are you doing here?” Lin Xiangxi caught up, panting. “We didn’t make it clear back home. How did Liu Honghe threaten you? I’ll find someone to beat him up.”

“It’s okay. I can handle the things that happen in the countryside. I can handle it.” Lin Xiangnan calmly took out a handful of candies from her pocket and handed them to Lin Xiangxi. “Have some candy. It’ll help you grow taller.”

Lin Xiangxi happily took the candy and asked, “Sister, where did you get the money? Why didn’t you take me with you when you were picking up scrap?”

Kids didn’t have pocket money, so if they wanted candy, they had to collect scrap paper and iron to sell. To make some money from selling scrap, Lin Xiangxi and her siblings had even tried to pry open the copper locks of other people’s doors.

“This money isn’t from picking up scrap.” Lin Xiangxi calmly lied. “I got it by helping my classmate with their homework. One of my classmates is bad at studies, but his parents are educated and demanding. He had no choice but to ask me for help.”

Lin Xiangxi unwrapped the candy and popped it into her mouth, a look of satisfaction on her face. “It’s so good. Sister, what’s your classmate’s name? Does his family have any younger siblings?”

“Just eat your candy. With your grades, you dare to help others with their homework?”

“Okay, I’m going now. If Liu Honghe threatens you again, remember to call me, I’ll beat him up for you.”