Chapter 5: Su Yue Warns Shen Qiuxia

Shen Qiuxia let out a long sigh.
“Your father and I raised three sons and one daughter, and we’ve always treated you four fairly. The eldest, Zhichen, joined the army after high school. The third, Zhiming, graduated from university and stayed in Beijing for work. Your younger sister also found her job by her own efforts. Only you, the second son, dropped out of high school because you insisted on getting married.”

“Now that life isn’t going your way, you want to take your sister’s job. Over the years, your eldest and third brothers have sent ten yuan home every month without fail. But you two? You eat and live at home, and not once have you contributed even a penny. What right do you have to question us?”

As soon as she said that, Su Zhiqiang’s face turned ashen, his expression shifting from green to white.

He stiffened his neck and retorted,
“Ma, I dropped out of high school to get married because I wanted to help the family sooner! And it’s not like me and Xiulian have been idle all these years.”

Su Yue chuckled,
“Second Brother, you quit school because Second Sister-in-law was afraid you’d fall for some other girl. She forced you to leave school. We all know that—stop dragging the family into this as an excuse.”

Hearing this, Wu Xiulian instantly exploded with anger.
“Sister, this is between me and your second brother. You don’t have the right to speak up!”

Then she looked at Father and Mother Su and threatened,
“Dad, Mom, the eldest and third aren’t at home and may never come back. We’ve been the ones staying by your side all these years. How does that make us freeloaders? Don’t forget, you’ll need us to take care of you when you’re old!”

Seeing that her son and daughter-in-law were still trying to argue, Shen Qiuxia no longer held back.
“All these years, have you ever brought home a single coin or grain from your work points? Everything in this house has been supported by your father and me living frugally. Zhiqiang, tell me—since your marriage, how many things has this family helped you with? And what have you contributed in return?”

Looking at her silent son, Shen Qiuxia’s eyes reddened with disappointment.
“Second Son, your father and I never expected to rely on you for our retirement.”

“Your eldest and third brothers think of home even from afar. But you, living under the same roof, aren’t willing to take on a shred of responsibility. Don’t act like doing basic chores makes you some kind of martyr. That’s your duty!”

“Yueyue earned this job through her own hard work. Stop being jealous.”

Wu Xiulian, out of ideas, resorted to her usual tactic—she dumped the child at home and ran off to her mother’s place for advice.

Shen Qiuxia made up her mind: once the eldest and third sons returned, she would divide the family.

With that thought, she took her youngest daughter by the hand and walked toward the main hall.

Su Dahai sighed and followed them into the hall.

Su Yue poured water for her parents and consoled them.
“Dad, Mom, have some water. Don’t get too upset.”

Su Dahai looked at her with concern.
“Yueyue, is everything settled with your job?”

Su Yue smiled,
“All taken care of, Dad. Oh, and there’s one more thing: tomorrow, Li Xiangbei’s family is coming to propose marriage.”

She had already told her mother about her relationship with Li Xiangbei when they had confirmed their courtship.

Shen Qiuxia nodded slightly, about to speak, but Su Dahai cut in,
“Yueyue, you’re still young. Maybe you should focus on your job first. Marriage can wait—you might meet someone even more suitable down the line…”

Before he could continue, Shen Qiuxia elbowed him hard and gave him a glare full of annoyance.
“Stop causing trouble! Yueyue’s always been thoughtful and knows what she’s doing. You don’t need to worry. And listen to yourself—what kind of nonsense are you saying?” She shot him another sharp look, then turned warmly to Su Yue.

“Yueyue, as long as you’re sure Li Xiangbei is the right one, I’ll support you.”

Su Dahai quickly added,
“If he ever dares mistreat you, don’t keep it to yourself. Come straight home and tell us, alright?”

Su Yue laughed, touched but amused.
“I know, Dad. Don’t worry.”

Su Dahai was about to say more, but Shen Qiuxia shot him a look.
“Look at the time! Go get to work—don’t you want your work points today?”

The next morning, since Wu Xiulian hadn’t returned all night, Su Zhiqiang took their little son and went to her family’s home.

Watching them leave, Shen Qiuxia scoffed.
“See? They’re probably skipping work again. Su Dahai, I’m telling you, once Yueyue gets married, we’re splitting this family. We’ll move into the new house.”

The new house had been Zhichen’s idea—he wanted his parents to live more comfortably. Zhiming had also sent back 200 yuan upon hearing the news. After discussing with Su Dahai, Shen Qiuxia had wanted to register the house under the eldest and third sons’ names. But since their household registrations had been transferred out, it wasn’t possible.

So the house was ultimately registered under Shen Qiuxia and Su Dahai’s names. Now that the house was finished, they planned to move once the sons returned.

Su Dahai nodded without hesitation.
“Alright, we’ll do as you say.”

Only then did Shen Qiuxia smile in satisfaction.
“Go on, get to work. I already asked the brigade leader for leave yesterday.”

Seeing the time, she walked toward her daughter’s room, calling out as she went,
“Yueyue, are you ready?”

“All packed, Mom. The door’s open—just come in,” Su Yue replied from inside.

Shen Qiuxia pushed open the door and saw her daughter wearing a floral blouse with blue pants.
“Haven’t your third sister-in-law sent you two Dacron shirts? Why aren’t you wearing one of those? New clothes look so sharp!”

She then muttered softly,
“A few years ago, girls could wear bright clothes and dresses. Those qipaos and blouses—my daughter would’ve looked stunning in them. Life’s really going backwards these days…”

Su Yue’s face turned serious.
“Mom, you absolutely can’t say things like that. You don’t know—there’s a girl in my class who wore a dress like that, and people said she was a capitalist’s daughter. Her whole family got sent to some remote place. Their life is miserable now.”

Shen Qiuxia’s face went pale with shock. She instinctively covered her mouth.
“That serious?”

Su Yue nodded firmly.
“Yes. And look at the letters from big brother and third brother. They used to write that they were doing great. Now they don’t dare say anything like that. Things must’ve changed a lot. When have they ever complained before?”

Shen Qiuxia nodded slowly, clearly lost in thought.