Chapter 170: Internal Conflict

Liu's mother pulled her eldest daughter aside and shared much hard-won experience with her.

Chuxue looked at Liu's father: "Dad, are you still going over to the new house today?"

Liu's mother did not want to stay in the old house; the First Branch was constantly making a scene there, which troubled her heart: "I'd better go over to the new house."

Chuxue continued packing while saying, "There isn't much thorny vine left; it won't be enough for your use today."

Qiu Shaofeng, standing nearby, didn't know how to act: "Thorny vine? What's that for?"

Chuxue didn't stop her hands: "Once we move to the new home, everything must be bought anew. Dad has woven quite a few carrying baskets and drying trays these past few days, using up nearly all the thorny vine we had stored."

Qiu Shaofeng immediately declared: "Then I'll go up the mountain to cut some later."

Chuxue didn't stop him; after all, the new house was indeed short on many things, and if Liu's father had something to do, he wouldn't overthink things.

Directing her brother-in-law to carry Liu's father onto the wooden cart outside, they went to the new house first.

Seeing Liu's mother still telling her daughter about pregnancy precautions, Chuxue didn't disturb them. After tidying up the kitchen completely, she said, "Mom, big sister, let's go over there too."

When the three of them came out, they saw the Third Branch couple standing at the doorway, listening to the commotion from the First Branch.

Upon being seen, the Third Uncle and his wife felt somewhat awkward.

Xia Qiu politely greeted them, and the three of them walked outside.

Although the First Branch kept their voices low, Chuxue heard clearly: "Dad, those funds before were borrowed by me and Aihua from house to house. Now you still have money on hand; why can't you repay some to them first?"

"Didn't you see? I just gave your uncle three hundred yuan. The remaining money is needed for Dongzi's dental work."

"He doesn't need gold teeth; why would that require so much?"

"The job matter is likely hopeless; this marriage can't be delayed any longer. Between the dental work and matchmaking visits, two hundred yuan might not even be enough."

Liu Jianqiang didn't expect this outcome: "Dad, you've chilled my heart. If I'd known you'd act this way, I shouldn't have borrowed money from people!"

Liu Shanggan didn't expect his eldest son to say such a thing: "What do you mean by that? Do you regret pulling me out?"

Liu Jianqiang exploded in anger: "To borrow that money, how many people did we beg? We promised to repay as soon as the family had money. If you act like this, how can my wife and I face people afterward?"

Liu Shanggan fell silent for a moment. He had only known his eldest son and daughter-in-law borrowed money from villagers but didn't know the specifics. Now that his eldest son had erupted, what he just said must be true: "But... this money isn't enough either?"

"Haven't you heard, 'Borrow diligently, repay diligently, and borrowing again won't be hard'? If you repay nothing and use the money for Dongzi's dental work, can this be kept hidden?"

Seeing her own father stay silent, she said, "Now Aihua is still staying at her mother's house. If we really do as you wish, I'm afraid my husband and I won't be able to live our lives either."

Liu Jiandong, who had been silent all along, spoke up angrily: "Brother, what do you mean? Helping me get dental work means you won't live your lives?"

Liu Jianqiang didn't want to accommodate him: "If it weren't for you, would the family be in this state?"

"Now you still have complaints?"

"Aren't I miserable enough already? Why are you yelling at me?"

"We were living fine, but because of you, the family not only lost face but also owes a mountain of debt. Tell me, why shouldn't I be angry?"

"Can that be blamed on me? Did I want to become like this?"

"Before, your sister-in-law and I knew nothing about what you did, yet we were dragged into it and had no face to show anyone. Tell me, can't that be blamed on you?"

(End of this chapter)