Chapter 303: Chapter 303
Cai Meina was most annoyed by what her parents wrote in their letter: "They said Cai Guoqing had another son and asked if I, as the aunt, ought to give a gift."
Uh, it’s normal for the eldest brother to have another son. For the parents, as long as their firstborn makes an effort to have sons, that’s what matters. But why ask the eldest sister?
"Do they mean for you to give money?" This is really something our parents would do, and Cai Ming is not surprised at all.
The issue is, "Did they give Ni Zi any New Year’s money?"
Cai Ming found it both funny and irritating; if they didn’t mention New Year’s money, it would be one thing. But remembering to ask for New Year’s money for Cai Guoqing’s children while forgetting the two kids in their eldest sister’s family is infuriating.
"They haven’t given Ni Zi New Year’s money in a long time, right?" If this letter were seen by her brother-in-law, who knows how angry he would be.
"Give what? Previously, when they gave New Year’s money to Ni Zi, it was with the thought that I would double it when given later. Knowing I’m in the Northeast and not having a good life, why would they do such a loss-making deal?" Her parents are astutely shrewd but also shortsighted to the point of making one feel ashamed.
Not helping in times of need, and rushing in when they think of profit, even one’s children could feel hurt and cold.
"So, what do you plan to do, sis?" Cai Ming asked cautiously, already imagining that if the eldest sister gave this money, their parents’ next target would be him.
"Every year, there’s only that little bit of dividends, and if we give it to the Gong Family, wouldn’t we have to live without?"
"I told Mom that Guoqing doesn’t have to give Ni Zi New Year’s money anymore, either. I’ll handle Ni Zi, and Guoqing will handle his child."
"As for the New Year’s money from those two to Ni Zi, I won’t take it either. Consider it my filial respect to the parents."
In this world, there’s no gaining without giving, and Cai Meina can already imagine how furious her parents would be upon receiving this letter.
The thing is, Cai Meina wasn’t worried. "Anyway, they’ve always said that married daughters are like spilled water. As long as I have my husband, it’s fine. But it’s you."
Cai Meina worriedly looked at Cai Ming; a daughter can dodge responsibilities, but as a son, there are responsibilities he cannot avoid.
He was even less worried, "Before I came to the Northeast, I signed an agreement. All our parents’ houses, money, and savings will be inherited by big brother, and he will provide for their elderly needs."
"At the same time, I handle all my marriage expenses myself, and they bear no responsibility."
"When I turn forty, I will give my parents fifty yuan a year for their elderly care." Cai Ming pointed out that was something twenty years down the line, nothing to worry about now.
Just like Ni Zi said, after twenty years, who knows if our parents will still be around, and will fifty yuan even mean anything?
Ah, Cai Meina knew her brother had signed an agreement, but she wasn’t very clear about its specifics, just knowing he gave up their parents’ property and didn’t expect a clause about elderly care.
"And uncle, maternal uncle, and aunt all signed as witnesses." Whatever the content or potential disadvantage to him, Cai Ming wasn’t concerned.
But Cai Ming was just warding off any shameless moves by their parents. Now it seems he was right to do so. How long has it been, and the parents have already forgotten this agreement?
If they forget, Cai Ming doesn’t mind giving them a reminder, "I plan to write to uncle and them, asking why the family situation is so bad that they need to ask a child like him for money."
As for the maternal uncle and aunt, Cai Ming didn’t even consider them. Even if he wrote to them, they would just muddle things over, asking him to relent and not make too much fuss.
He’s heard that tune too many times. Not that he wouldn’t speak up, but why shouldn’t he?
"I would mention what Mom and Dad said about wanting me to sell grain on the black market and send the money back, asking if there are parents who would trick their son ."
"If I don’t mention it, who knows how Mom and Dad might badmouth me? Since they’re going to smear my reputation anyway, I might as well get there first and smear theirs." Clarifying everything beforehand would prevent losing any advantage in defense later.
Is it appropriate to tell uncle and them? Cai Meina knew the relationship between their family and the Cai Family relatives wasn’t terrible but definitely would lead to mockery. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ nοvelfire.net
Compared to outsiders, uncle and them would prefer to laugh at their own family. In the past, Cai Meina might have thought her brother was going too far, but now, she simply opened her mouth but didn’t say it.
"Sis, if it weren’t for my lack of trust in them, and the partiality from the maternal uncle and others, I wouldn’t have called for uncle to be a witness." Cai Ming had no choice; if the maternal uncle witnessed it, the agreement would be as good as void.
The final development is moving in line with the parents’ desires, "Sis, think about how much hardship we both endured for big brother."
Cai Meina sighed inwardly. The colder her brother became, but who was to blame? Criticize the younger brother?
But if not for their parents, this brother wouldn’t have ended up .
"Sis, you shouldn’t meddle too much; the more you care, the less they’ll appreciate you, and over time, even brother-in-law may become dissatisfied."
"I’m the younger brother, am I supposed to look after the older brother?" Some people may shamelessly ask, but Cai Ming didn’t want to play the fool.
"By the way, sis, are you really not going home this New Year?" Troubles in the Cai Family, equally in the Gong Family. It’s been about a year since Gong Dajiang had a stroke and became bedridden; it’s said his health has deteriorated significantly.
It’s said he’s now just skin and bones. Who knows how they’re caring for Gong Dajiang, unless someone has already stopped wanting to care for such a burden.
Cai Meina shook her head, "Not going back. There’s been no notice saying his condition is worsening."
"In such cold weather, if Ni Zi goes back, what about the journey?" Besides the hassle of returning, how much time would be spent on the road, and whether the kids’ bodies could handle it is also a concern.
Yeah, yeah, "If there’s no notice, don’t go back. Ni Zi seems healthy, but that needs continual care. Going back once and having to come again if there’s no issue would be a hassle."
Actually, Cai Ming was worried that once these two kids saw the fun outside, they might not want to come back.
Though Gong Ruini and others are well-behaved, the Northeast here is too barren. Cai Ming himself took a long time to adjust initially.
The same worry was on Cai Meina’s mind. No matter what Zhang Lan and others said before, to the kids, she’s the villain. But once they experience the city’s prosperity, would they ever want to endure this environment?
More importantly, with money in their hands, they wouldn’t need anyone’s permission to do anything. At this moment, Cai Meina somewhat regretted ever agreeing to let Gong Ruini manage their own money.