Chapter 111: Only by Severing Ties Can I Feel at Ease

That remark left the clan leader with no easy way to respond, so he changed the subject outright: "Do you know why I've come looking for you?"

Liu Chuxue had no wish to beat around the bush either: "I've got a rough idea."

The clan leader pulled over a long bench and sat down: "The severing of ties—was it your idea?"

Liu Chuxue nodded: "Yes. If they could do something like that once, they can do it a second time. I don't believe my grandparents were truly in the dark either. Ever since my father's leg was injured, their behavior has already chilled our second branch's heart—let alone the fact that they went and did something so shameless. Only by severing ties can I feel at ease, so please don't try to talk me out of it either."

Seeing how resolute she was, the clan leader sighed and said: "Your grandfather's meaning is that severing ties is fine, but the five hundred yuan you proposed—they can't come up with it."

Liu Chuxue let out a cold laugh: "Choice goes both ways. If they can't come up with it, then let them stay in there—I'm fine with it either way."

After saying that, seeing no one in the room spoke up: "If that's how it is, then there's no need to keep talking. I still have things to do, so I'll be going first."

The clan leader wanted to stop her, but Liu Chuxue truly didn't want to waste any more time on this—after all, when the Liu family people were the ones getting anxious, she herself was still busy.

After hurrying home: "Dad, Mom, the homestead land matter's already been settled. I'll go find Uncle Liangzi this afternoon and ask him to help me round up some people to tidy up that plot. I'm planning to hand the house-building work over to him."

Liu's father, seeing his daughter had everything arranged, spoke up in agreement: "He's a head mason himself—having him take charge will save us a lot of trouble."

Liu Chuxue poured herself a cup of water: "That's exactly what I was thinking."

Liu's mother chimed in at this point: "When are you going to measure out the plot?"

Liu Chuxue finished the water and, following local custom, wiped the corner of her mouth with her hand: "I'll go measure it this afternoon."

Liu's mother reminded her: "Don't forget the private plot matter—set aside a piece of land there when the time comes."

Thinking about it, it was true—some households had already started planting vegetable seedlings, so this private plot business really did need to be taken to heart.

Once that matter was done, the couple suddenly remembered: "Xue, why did you come back so early today?"

Liu Chuxue didn't hide it either: "I told my homeroom teacher I'd study at home on my own, and just show up for the graduation exam when it's time."

Liu's father frowned slightly, disagreeing: "I have your mother to look after me here, you're about to graduate soon, you absolutely can't—"

Liu Chuxue quickly cut him off: "Dad, I sat for the midterm exam papers ahead of time today. Apart from losing three points on the composition, everything else was a perfect score. It won't affect the graduation exam."

Fearing they wouldn't believe her, Liu Chuxue even took out the report card she'd specially had her homeroom teacher write: "Look, this is what our Teacher Xu wrote."

After looking it over, Liu's father also wore a regretful expression: "If only you could take the college exam—our family might even produce a college student."

Liu Chuxue laughed: "Who knows, one day we might be able to. When that time comes, I'll definitely get into a college and come back, and make the whole village envy you two."

Liu's father, hearing his daughter's words, felt a warm surge in his heart: "Alright, your father will be waiting."

County town, Chen family

Chen Xiao Laoyezi had finally recovered somewhat: "Before you hold their wedding banquet, you two as husband and wife must go to Willow Tree Village in person to apologize to the Liu family. Your sincerity absolutely must be sufficient."

Yan Qingshuang was somewhat unwilling: "Dad, is that really necessary?"

Chen Xiao Laoyezi got so angry he started coughing: "Do as I say—whatever do you know?"

Chen Jiefang had some idea of the old man's thoughts: "Dad, don't worry. We'll definitely handle this properly and not leave any hidden trouble."

Chen Xiao Laoyezi figured that even if they couldn't become in-laws, they couldn't become enemies either—after all, there were secrets involved in this matter. It was just a pity his own grandson had ruined his arrangements.

(End of this chapter)