C12 The Great Boss Was Very Powerful

Seeing the old man getting upset, Shen Jian and Bai Shengli quickly tried to smooth things over.

Qiaoqiao was curiously looking up when Shen Heqiu placed another piece of fish in her bowl, saying, "Eat up." He didn't mind his own sharp tongue and was unconcerned about his dad busy apologizing.

Bai Yuvliang wasn't just there for a free meal today; after some fuss, he got to the point. "Shengli, what's going on with the five kids from the second branch? Why haven't you taken care of it yet?" Bai Yuvliang said with a stern face. "Even Yuanchao and his wife have asked me about it. Look at you, just indulging at home without a care for your nephews!"

Mao Jinlan chimed in, "Uncle, isn't that a bit unfair? The five kids from the second branch are still being fed and looked after by the main branch."

Providing food and care—how is that not being concerned? Just because Bai Yuanchao mentions it, does that mean he cares more?

Bai Yuvliang, with a huff, retorted, "This is a family matter, stay out of it!"

Just as he was feeling triumphant, Shen Heqiu gave him a slow, deliberate look. That glance made the old man's heart skip a beat, fearing he might say something provocative again.

At his age, he couldn't handle much more! He quickly turned to Bai Shengli, "You need to sort this out soon; the third branch is pushing for it."

Bai Shengli was both surprised and delighted. "Yuanchao brought this up on his own? Well, it makes sense. After all, we're family, and he does have a conscience."

Bai Qiaoqiao: "..."

Lin Yuefen, thinking more clearly since the couple wasn't her direct family, hesitated a bit. "Uncle, what exactly did Yuanchao and his wife say to you?"

Bai Yuvliang, eating as he spoke, replied, "The Third Branch is being generous. They said they'd take care of the eldest and the second one. Those two are the biggest expenses right now, aren't they? You should plan to hand them over soon. Look at how you’re managing things—don't end up causing trouble for the kids!"

Even Bai Rui sensed something was off. He didn't understand what the adults were discussing, but kids are perceptive and he felt it had something to do with him. He nervously put down his chopsticks, glancing around.

Bai Shengli exclaimed with joy, "Really? They're willing to support the eldest and the second one?"

Lin Yuefen felt something was fishy. The Third Branch wasn't known for being kind, but seeing her husband so happy, she didn't know what to say. She just pulled Bai Rui closer into her arms.

Bai Yuvliang quickly added, "Of course, they're family—brothers and nephews! Despite the misunderstanding at the funeral, he didn't hold it against you. They know your financial situation is tight, and they're better off, so they offered. Shengli, I'm telling you, go apologize to Yuanchao properly and get this settled quickly!"

Bai Shengli quickly said, "Of course, of course!"

He didn't really want Bai Feng and Bai Liang, but he genuinely thought the Third Branch had finally come to their senses and that there was still hope for brotherly bonds.

Shen Heqiu suddenly remarked, "If they're so well-off, why would they steal from the dead?"

Bai Yuvliang: "..."

Shen Heqiu served a piece of fish to Little Qiaoqiao, seemingly speaking to her, "Qiaoqiao, did you catch them rummaging through your second uncle's things?"

Little Qiaoqiao immediately shouted, "Yes! I called everyone over! They kept stealing, and they even had money on them with my second uncle's blood on it!"

Then, she turned to Bai Yuvliang and, in her childish voice, spat, "Shameless, defending thieves! You should all be taken away!"

Bai Yuvliang: "!!!"

Shen Jian/Bai Shengli: "Just kids talking, just kids talking! Don't mind her, great-uncle!"

Bai Yuvliang was so angry he lost his appetite and stormed off, leaving his meal untouched.

Before leaving, he threw down a harsh remark, "You better sort out the Second Branch's issues! You're supposed to be the head of the family, but you're so irresponsible!"

The pleasant dining atmosphere was completely ruined, and the rest of the meal was spent discussing the incident.

...

The adults deliberated for a long time, well into the night, until the four elders of the Bai family returned.

By then, Little Qiaoqiao had left the table and was directing Bai Rui to peel bamboo shoots to distract him.

Shen Heming was also nearby, making a fuss about the bamboo shoots, which temporarily distracted Bai Rui from his unhappiness.

Meanwhile, Bai Qiaoqiao noticed Shen Heqiu heading out and quickly followed.

Bai Feng had just arrived home with his three younger brothers when he saw Shen Heqiu approaching. Despite their age difference, the two had been close since childhood.

Shen Heqiu called out, "Bai Feng, come over here."

Bai Feng paused, instructed his brothers to go inside for dinner, and then walked with Shen Heqiu to the fence. Little Qiaoqiao tagged along, but neither Shen Heqiu nor Bai Feng paid much attention, each giving her a gentle pat on the head.

"Your Third Uncle is acting strange," Shen Heqiu got straight to the point. "He brought some of your family's elders over, saying they want you and Bai Liang."

Bai Feng was taken aback. "They came on their own?"

Shen Heqiu nodded. "Yes."

Bai Feng frowned.

Shen Heqiu continued, "The Third Branch has Zhao Weizu advising them. They want the older ones, not the younger. Think about why that might be."

Bai Feng frowned deeper. "Why?"

Shen Heqiu explained, "It's so you and Bai Liang will go work for Zhao Weizu, earning money for them to spend."

Bai Qiaoqiao was stunned.

The logic was flawless!

Can a ten-year-old really be this smart?

No wonder in his past life, Shen Jian was a clueless dad, not much better than Bai Shengli. Their family was always run by Shen and Heqiu!

Bai Feng hesitated and said, "I... I'm thinking about getting a job. Someone in the family needs to earn money. Even if it's breaking rocks, at least it's in the village, and I can make some cash."

Qiaoqiao was anxious, wanting to tell her brother not to be foolish, that the real opportunities to make money were coming!

Heqiu sneered, "Go if you want, but what about Bai Liang?"

Bai Feng frowned, "Kids without parents have it rough. I have to go. I'll work harder so my brother doesn't have to."

Given their situation, how could he say he wouldn't follow his Third Uncle and instead stay to live off his uncle and aunt?

Qiaoqiao quickly said, "Big brother, we have money now!"

Bai Feng just smiled and patted her head.

Qiaoqiao: "..."

Ugh! So frustrating! Why did she have to be a kid? No one listens to what she says!

Heqiu continued, "If you go with the Third Branch, you're one of them now. Later, you can treat those who stole from your parents as your own and forget about your uncle and aunt."

Bai Feng: "..."

Heqiu added, "And Bai Liang, just because you say he won't go doesn't mean he won't. Watch, the money you earn won't benefit Bai Liang at all, and it'll just wear out your uncle and aunt."

Bai Qiaoqiao immediately exclaimed, "Yes! Mr. Qiu is absolutely right!"

Bai Feng, looking a bit distressed, asked, "Then what should I do?"

Shen Heqiu pulled him aside and said, "Let me tell you..."

Bai Qiaoqiao wanted to follow and listen, but Lin Yuefen was already calling for her.

To prevent Lin Yuefen from interrupting their important discussion, Bai Qiaoqiao reluctantly returned to her.