C15 An Idiot Who Was Fished out of the Water with Money

"Handing over the family's money and affairs to the women, what kind of future do you expect to have?" Bai Yuvliang fumed.

Bai Shengli's face turned red with anger, refusing to back down. Anyone who dared to criticize his wife would face his unwavering defense, and he was determined to win the argument.

"Yuefen manages the household very well," he insisted, his voice calmer but still firm. "When we divided the family property, we didn't get any land, and it's been her efforts that have kept us going all these years."

Bai Yuvliang grew even more frustrated, as he had been the one to oversee the division of the property.

"So, you're saying I was unfair and wronged your family?"

Bai Shengli replied, "That's not what I mean, but you can't speak ill of Yuefen!"

The conversation seemed to be going in circles without end.

Fortunately, Lin Yuefen was called back by Bai Feng. Bai Shengli felt a bit embarrassed in front of his wife. Though still upset, he chose to remain silent.

When Lin Yuefen entered, Bai Yuvliang was still muttering about "lack of ambition" and such.

Without a word, she went upstairs, retrieved a cloth bag, and placed it on the table. "This is the money I've saved for Jianguo and his wife over the years," she said.

She counted it in front of everyone, "A total of two thousand six hundred."

Bai Shengli opened his mouth in surprise.

Actually, it was three thousand...

If it weren't his wife, he might have jumped up to question it.

But in this world, he trusted his wife the most, knowing she wasn't greedy for money!

So, he stayed silent...

Qiaoqiao had actually seen her parents counting money in secret before, and she thought her dad would speak up this time. But he remained quiet, which made her glance at him curiously several times.

In her past life, her parents were always together, but her mom spoke less and always supported her dad unconditionally. Now it seemed... maybe to change her dad, she needed to start with her mom.

Yuanchao was skeptical, saying, "That's it?"

Xiaohong added, "Yeah. They brought back a thousand dollars this year. The second family has been working away for four years, earning a thousand each year, so they should have at least three thousand, right?"

Yuefen bit her lip and said, "That's all there is. It goes to food and household expenses."

"For food and household expenses, aren't you also farming the second family's land?" Xiaohong continued.

Yuvliang said, "Shengli, I told you your wife is sending money to her family..."

"Uncle, are you done yet?" Shengli snapped, "Why don't you go check for yourself?!"

At this point, another uncle, Yuvtian, who had been silent, spoke up.

He said, "We all know how much farming can support. Five young men eating and drinking is tight, but the main family isn't stingy. An egg a day, meat once a month. And the clothes and things for the young men, everything costs money, doesn't it?"

Lin Yuefen had been saving money, but she felt wronged when accused of supporting her family. It was all for the kids.

With teary eyes, she said, "Uncle is right."

Bai Yuvtian added, "The kids' parents go out to earn money, and it's meant to be spent on the kids. Yuefen is honest and hands over all the money. Raising five kids and still saving over two thousand dollars is no small feat."

Indeed, saving over two thousand dollars was impressive.

In this village, not many had such savings, and it took a savvy household manager to achieve it.

He had a newfound respect for Lin Yuefen.

But if he knew she could save up three thousand dollars, he’d probably be shocked.

Bai Yuvtian was even older than Bai Yuvliang, and since he had spoken, Bai Yuvliang stayed silent.

Lin Yuefen put the money down and sat back beside Bai Shengli.

Bai Qiaoqiao immediately grabbed the money.

Bai Yuanchao, who was eyeing it, opened his mouth to scold her.

But she turned and handed the money to Bai Feng.

There were still bloodstains on some of the bills, making Bai Yuanchao feel guilty and stay quiet.

The eldest nephew's gaze was intense...

Bai Yuvliang spoke again, "Since the money is out, let's discuss how to divide it. The third branch has offered to take the most expensive, the eldest and the second, but we shouldn't shortchange them. Let's give them two thousand dollars."

Bai Shengli thought it was reasonable.

Both of the older kids were going to take their exams, and once they passed, they'd be off to live in the city. The cost of food, travel, and everything else adds up, and they'd be gone for four years.

Two thousand dollars might seem like a lot, but once you leave the village, it really doesn’t go far. He even said, "Let's just give them twenty-six hundred."

After all, his wife had stashed away a few hundred dollars, and he had recently earned some extra cash. If it wasn’t enough, he could cover the rest.

Bai Qiaoqiao looked puzzled and asked, "Dad, are you trying to be funny?"

Shen Heqiu gently patted Bai Feng on the shoulder.

At this moment, the main character of this story, Bai Feng, finally stood up.

He said, "No need to split it. My uncle and aunt should keep the money to support my younger brothers."

No one expected that.

Bai Shengli was stunned and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Bai Feng glanced at Lin Yuefen and said, "When Mom and Dad were around, they went out to work, and Aunt took good care of us. Now that they're gone, I'll go out to work, just like before. I'll bring the money back, and Aunt will help take care of my brothers. From now on, we'll treat Uncle and Aunt like our own parents."

This was something he had discussed with Shen Heqiu.

Actually, he was old enough to go out and work, like many others his age.

Although Shen Heqiu didn’t quite see it that way, he knew that Bai Shengli and his wife wouldn’t allow it otherwise.

"No way!" Bai Shengli was furious. "You're about to take your exams, and you want to get a job?"

Bai Feng stood firm. "I've thought it through!"

"You've been studying since you were little, never done physical work," Lin Yuefen advised. "Working outside isn't for you."

Bai Feng's eyes were red. "I'm the oldest. I need to take care of my younger siblings."

"No, no, no!" Bai Shengli was exasperated. "You don't need to worry about family matters. Just focus on your studies!"

"Auntie won't let you go either," Lin Yuefen added urgently. "You two need to drop this idea!"

Bai Feng replied, "No matter what, Bai Liang and I aren't going to Third Uncle's. Plus, I'm going to work, and neither Uncle nor Aunt can stop me."

Well, he's seventeen now.

If he leaves, not only will the stonework be out of the question, but they won't even get the two thousand dollars.

Zhao Xiaohong was anxious. "You don't have to go far to work. You can do it here in the village, and we'd feel better about it!"

Bai Qiaoqiao had been listening intently without interrupting.

Earlier, Shen Heqiu had assured her to relax.

She thought this cunning young Shen might already have a plan for his friend.

Sure enough, at this moment, she saw Shen Heqiu lower his head, a slight smile on his lips.

Here it comes.

The bait was taken.

Zhao Xiaohong started talking rapidly, "If you want to work, join my dad's stone team! I've already talked to him. There's work, and Bai Feng and Bai Liang get first dibs! Others can't even dream of this opportunity, but we're family."