C13 She Was too Disgusted with Her Father

Due to this situation, Bai Feng and the others, who usually ate like they hadn't seen food in days, found they had no appetite today. Shen Jian had already taken his family home. Yet, Bai Shengli was still in high spirits.

He told the older kids, "With your Uncle helping out, you can focus on your studies. Don't worry, even if you go to your Uncle's place, your aunt and I will still look after you."

Bai Feng retorted, "I'm not a kid anymore."

Bai Shengli glared, "How are you not a kid? You're still in school."

Lin Yuefen gently advised, "Bai Feng, listen to your aunt. Once you pass your exams, the road ahead will be long."

In her heart, she worried that both Bai Feng and Bai Liang were about to take their exams. Once they passed, it would be the most expensive time, and the money their parents left wouldn't be enough. Even if they couldn't rely on the Third Branch, there was no other choice. For the sake of the kids, as long as the Third Branch was willing to lend a hand, they had to grit their teeth and accept it, while trying to manage on their own.

However, considering Bai Shengli's feelings, Lin Yuefen didn't say this out loud. Both of them still held onto the hope that the Third Branch would help. The difference was that Lin Yuefen had no other options, while Bai Shengli was still filled with hopeful expectations of family support.

The problem was, with their kind and honest hearts, they couldn't imagine that their own uncle would let them down so badly.

Bai Feng stayed quiet, already having a plan in mind. His younger brothers always looked to him for guidance. Now that their parents were gone, he was their rock.

Standing on a chair, Bai Qiaoqiao served her brothers slices of meat. "You all better eat up! I bought this with the money I earned selling shoes!" she exclaimed, her small hands moving swiftly as she piled their bowls high.

Bai Shengli curiously asked his wife, "When did she get so good with chopsticks? Did you teach her?"

Usually, she just ate a few bites without much thought. Now she was serving food like a pro.

Lin Yuefen was just as puzzled. "I never taught her."

Bai Shengli thought about how she learned to sell shoes on her own, calling out to customers like a natural. He chuckled and reached to pat his daughter's head.

Bai Qiaoqiao, not wanting to be treated like a child, dodged his hand and gave him a playful glare. Bai Shengli didn't mind at all, finding her adorable and bursting with pride.

Bai Qiaoqiao thought to herself, "Ugh, I really don't want to be a kid anymore!"

...

The next day was the weekend, and the older siblings were home. Bai Liang was helping the twins, Bai Jin and Bai Xi, with their homework.

He instructed his younger brothers, "Once I'm done, I'll head to the fields to help Aunt. You two finish your work, check it over, and I'll review it again when I get back."

"Got it," said the twins.

Bai Liang nodded and replied, "Start writing."

As the second oldest in the family, he was mentally strong, mainly because he could rely on his older brother. His brother had already discussed things with him last night, and Bai Liang knew he had to succeed no matter what. This was his chance to make a difference, so he was focused and determined.

The younger ones looked up to their older brothers. With Bai Feng and Bai Liang holding steady, Bai Jin and Bai Xi stayed calm too. The youngest, Bai Rui, was blissfully unaware of the previous night's events. After a good night's sleep, he saw everything was as usual and went off to dig for bamboo shoots and catch fish, still clueless about what had happened.

...

Bai Feng was at home making shoes. Having learned the basics from Bai Shengli since he was young, he wanted to prepare the soles so his uncle would have an easier time when he returned. Shen Heqiu was by his side, tapping away and studying leather shoes. Most of his skills were taught by Bai Feng, with some self-taught expertise, as Shen Jian hadn't had the chance to teach him yet.

Shen Heqiu remarked, "I heard that because of your sister, the shoes at home are selling out."

Mentioning his sister brought a subtle smile to Bai Feng's face. "Yeah. I'm trying to help make more today."

As they chatted, Bai Shengli returned home.

Seeing Shen Heqiu, Bai Shengli was a bit surprised. "Heqiu, why aren't you back home helping your dad with the shoes? What are you doing here making noise at his place?"

"I'm here playing with Bai Feng," Shen Heqiu replied, glancing at Bai Qiaoqiao, who was following closely by Bai Shengli's side. Bai Qiaoqiao was still pouting, clearly annoyed. She had worked hard today selling shoes until they were all gone. But her dad kept chatting with Mr. Shen about how the "Third Branch finally showed some conscience," which was driving her nuts. She quickly ran over to join Shen Heqiu and Bai Feng, eager to distance herself from her dad.

Bai Shengli didn't mind; he was in a great mood today and went off to put away his carrying pole and basket. Just then, Bai Yuanchao and his wife arrived with his father-in-law, Zhao Weizu, and two uncles, Bai Yuvliang and Bai Yuvtian.

Bai Shengli, after putting his things away, came out and greeted them with a smile, "Oh, you all made it over here."

Bai Yuanchao, sporting a black eye from a previous scuffle and still nursing some burns, looked at him with a scowl. "Hmph, as if we were waiting for you," he said sarcastically. Although he thought it was decent of the Third Branch to take in Bai Feng and Bai Liang, seeing Bai Shengli's bruised face reminded him of the money-stealing incident.

Bai Shengli exclaimed, "How could you do something like that?"

Bai Yuanchao retorted, "Do you really think I was stealing? You're unfairly accusing me and ruining my reputation. It's my brother's money, so what's wrong with me holding onto it for now? I was just worried it might get lost in the chaos. Once everything's settled, I'll return it!"

Bai Shengli believed him and awkwardly rubbed his hands together, saying, "Yeah, I was just really stressed out. Sorry for putting you through that."

"Hmph, I heard you had quite the feast last night. Once we're done discussing the kids, you should cook another meal to make it up to me!" Bai Yuanchao replied.

Bai Shengli quickly said, "I didn't buy groceries today, but I'll have my brother cook some chicken for you as an apology."

"Just chicken? What about some meat or fish?" Zhao Xiaohong chimed in.

Bai Shengli hurriedly responded, "Tomorrow, I'll go to the market and get some!"

Shen Heqiu chuckled and whispered to Bai Feng, "Your uncle is something else..."

Bai Qiaoqiao turned away, tears in her eyes.

She couldn't bear to watch, feeling the urge to rush over and scold her dad. But if she did, he'd probably just laugh, pat her on the head, and say something silly like, "My little girl sure holds a grudge."

At that moment, she felt trapped in her youthful appearance, realizing how frustrating it was.

She was fuming when suddenly a hand landed on her head.

Mr. Heqiu ruffled Bai Qiaoqiao's hair and smiled.

"Don't worry," he said with a knowing look.

Bai Qiaoqiao was taken aback. So Mr. Qiu was such a cheerful kid back in the day, always smiling. Now he always seems so serious.

While she was lost in thought, her father was busy nodding and apologizing profusely, ushering the guest inside.

Finally, he instructed Bai Feng, "When you get a chance, go and prepare the chicken."