Chapter 35

Zhou Li's expression changed drastically, and she gritted her teeth as she looked at Lu Qiaoge standing before her.

She felt as though her life was bleak, that even a young girl could bully her now.

She hugged the old black cat tightly, yet she was truly speechless.

Because Lu Qiaoge was right.

Whether in the countryside or the city, it was always like this.

Lu Qiaoge did not continue speaking, but instead tried to ask the old black cat in her heart: "Xiao Hei, what did Zhou Li's biological mother leave for her? If you tell me, I will help your little master take back what belongs to her."

The old black cat already knew that Lu Qiaoge could understand it.

At this moment, it felt no surprise, only excitement.

Humans always say that dogs are loyal subjects and cats are treacherous, that cats only care about whoever feeds them, but it was not like that.

【I know, it's in the interlayer of the dressing table drawer. The old master said it was a dowry for the little master.】

Lu Qiaoge asked, "Will it have been found and taken away by Luo Guixiang long ago?"

【No, the old master's father was a very skilled carpenter; he crafted it himself. If one can't find the mechanism, even smashing it might not reveal it. Old Zhou doesn't know about this either.】

Lu Qiaoge did not continue to ask what was inside, but looked at Zhou Li: "Comrade Zhou, this is the rule and also the custom; you must accept it!"

Zhou Li's eyes were filled with despair.

Yes, as long as Luo Guixiang did not agree, it was impossible for her to bring her husband and child to live here.

Lu Qiaoge, however, no longer looked at Zhou Li, but instead looked at the crowd and asked with a smile: "However, I have a question to ask you comrades."

Lu Qiaoge pointed to the first floor behind her: "Everyone knows that Comrade Zhou has no right to live in this house, because this house was left by Master Zhou to Comrade Luo, and it has nothing to do with Comrade Zhou."

Upon hearing this, Luo Guixiang immediately laughed.

The two young people beside her also looked at Zhou Li triumphantly.

Hmph, what's the use of threatening people by drinking medicine? This house has absolutely nothing to do with you.

Since even the cadre from the neighborhood office said so, it was a settled matter.

Someone in the crowd nodded: "Yes, it has nothing to do with Zhou Li."

Lu Qiaoge immediately asked: "But as for the things left behind by Zhou Li's biological mother in this house, such as dowry items, does Comrade Luo have the right to claim them as her own?"

The crowd erupted as if they were about to explode.

Voices chimed in from all sides: "Of course she has no right."

"Zhou Li is Yu Xiu's only daughter; if there are any, they should definitely be given to Zhou Li."

"But didn't Luo Guixiang marry Master Zhou?"

"What does her marrying Master Zhou have to do with Yu Xiu? Master Zhou's things can be given to Luo Guixiang, but Yu Xiu's should be given to Zhou Li."

Lu Qiaoge raised her hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

At this moment, Luo Guixiang's face flushed red: "You comrade, what nonsense are you spouting? My home doesn't have any of Yu Xiu's things. When I entered this house, those things were all cleared away by old Zhou."

Zhou Li wiped away her tears and looked suspiciously at Lu Qiaoge. How did she feel that this little cadre was trying to help her?

What did her mother leave behind? Which items were her mother's? Zhou Li began to think hard.

Lu Qiaoge spoke up: "Comrade Luo, I need to enter your home to confirm. If there really isn't even a blade of grass left, I guarantee I will take Comrade Zhou away and never disturb you again."

A flash of panic crossed Luo Guixiang's eyes.

How could there be nothing? She had heard that dead ghost old Zhou say that the bed in the bedroom was crafted by old Yu.

Just then, Mother Sun ran over in a hurry, first patting Zhou Li and complaining: "You dead girl, you have a husband and child, yet you still think about drinking medicine. Is your brain not working? Do you want your son to have a stepmother in the future and live the same life as you?"

Luo Guixiang's face turned livid, but since Mother Sun didn't name names, she didn't dare to retort.

She could only stare at her viciously. Damn old woman, if it weren't for her taking in Zhou Li, Zhou Li would have long since been rolled back to the countryside.

Mother Sun said to Lu Qiaoge: "I know which items are Yu Xiu's dowry; I can testify."

Lu Qiaoge said: "Is there any other comrade who can bear witness?"

With this said, more than a dozen people came out.

Thus, a group of people entered Luo Guixiang's home.

Mother Sun first pointed to the bed: "That was crafted by old Yu for his daughter."

"The dressing table was also crafted by old Yu. It was the newest style at the time; many people came to the Zhou family to see the design."

"Yes, yes, old Yu was a famous master carpenter; it's a pity he left so early."

"This pair of red lacquer chests is also one."

"The clothes rack is too."

"The Eight Immortals table as well. Look, there is even old Yu's mark here."

"The wardrobe is too."

"Sigh, old Yu loved his daughter so much, he gave so many things."

Luo Guixiang wouldn't have it, so she stopped pretending. If she continued to pretend, not only would the things in the house be moved away, but she would also become a laughingstock.

"Even if it was given to Yu Xiu by old Yu, it was given to old Zhou. These are all mine, and they have nothing to do with Zhou Li."

Mother Sun was about to start scolding.

Lu Qiaoge stopped her in time: "Everyone, calm down. Comrade Luo is right. Since Yu Xiu married Master Zhou, that is joint marital property, so naturally, it cannot all be moved away."

Lu Qiaoge faced Luo Guixiang and said gently: "However, I must emphasize one point: these items are the joint property of Yu Xiu and Master Zhou, but they are not the joint property of you and Master Zhou. Therefore, Comrade Zhou Li has the right to take back the portion that belongs to her biological mother."

Lu Qiaoge looked at Officer Liu and Shao Le again: "What are your opinions?"

Officer Liu and Shao Le were shocked by Lu Qiaoge and naturally had no objections.

Mother Sun spoke directly on behalf of Zhou Li: "Xiao Li and I have no objections either. Comrade Xiao Lu is right, then let's split it in two. It just so happens that the three cadres from the neighborhood office are all here; let's discuss how to divide it now."

Luo Guixiang's face was as gloomy as water, but now, except for her and her two children, everyone else was in agreement.

Regardless of custom or tradition, there seemed to be no logic by which she could receive Yu Xiu's property, unless everyone else was dead.

Zhou Li was still holding the cat; she pressed her face against the cat. Just now, Mother Sun had whispered that it must be her biological mother who came to help her, telling her not to do anything foolish and to live well.

Zhou Li's mind was in a mess, but she was also very clear-headed. She said in a hoarse voice: "I don't want the bed, but the other things are my mother's. Luo Guixiang, aren't you afraid of having nightmares in the middle of the night using my mother's things?"

Lu Qiaoge hurriedly interrupted: "Given that Comrade Zhou Li's parents are both deceased and her family is poor, and most importantly, in the prime of her youth, she actively responded to the call to build the countryside and is now contributing to the construction of her hometown, Comrade Zhou Li has priority in choosing. Comrade Zhou, you choose."

Luo Guixiang immediately objected.

Officer Liu was displeased and spoke a bit sternly this time: "Comrade Luo, your thinking is problematic. It has been explained very clearly: the house is yours, you can live in it as you please, but these items are Yu Xiu's dowry. It is wrong not to return them to her biological daughter."

Mother Sun sneered: "Some people shouldn't push their luck. Even if Zhou Li isn't qualified to live in this house, is your son? He doesn't even have the surname Zhou. I advise you to quit while you're ahead."