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Gu Fanjin looked at her with a hint of a smile.

"Fanjin, I would never steer you wrong," Gu Xiuxiu said, trying to muster some courage. "The Tan family is doing well. You’re holding back for Momo and Junjun, but you can’t let them hold you back forever!"

"People say marriage is like a second life for a woman. You should think about yourself too."

Gu Fanjin raised an eyebrow. "Xiuxiu, what happens to Momo and Junjun if I get married?"

Without missing a beat, Gu Xiuxiu replied, "Grandpa and Grandma will look after them, of course."

"Are you sure they won’t be mistreated by the so-called grandparents you mentioned?"

"Uh..."

"I’ve said it before," Gu Fanjin pulled her arm away from Xiuxiu’s grasp, "whoever wants to marry can go ahead and do it!"

"Fanjin, why can’t you see what’s good for you?"

The smile faded from Gu Xiuxiu’s face, replaced by frustration. She was more upset with her own mother for pushing her into this role of mediator, all for the benefits promised by the Tan family.

"I’m just a clueless girl, Xiuxiu. Don’t waste your breath on me; you’re only making yourself angry."

Gu Fanjin let out a cold laugh. "Besides, I’m not comfortable leaving Junjun and Momo with anyone. If that’s all you came to discuss, we’re done here."

Gu Xiuxiu felt helpless. This stubborn girl wouldn’t budge, and she knew her mom would have plenty to say when she returned.

"Fanjin, be stubborn all you want. You’ll regret it one day."

"Take care, Xiuxiu."

Gu Xiuxiu left with a sour expression.

As soon as she was out the door, Momo and Junjun ran over. Seeing their worried little faces, Gu Fanjin smiled to reassure them. "Don’t worry, everything’s fine."

"Big Sis, is that family really rich?"

Momo understood a bit more than Junjun. She thought that if it was really like Sister Xiu said, their big sister was staying single just to take care of them...

"Don't overthink it," Gu Fanjin gently pinched the little girl's cheek. "They took the benefits; it's not because of you."

"Big sister, when Mom and Dad come back, we won't have to be afraid of them anymore!" Junjun said, his innocent words full of hope.

"Yes, Junjun is right," Gu Fanjin replied. After comforting the two little ones, she glanced at the sky. It was impossible to predict the snowstorm months away.

She wondered if their parents could return before the snowstorm hit. Otherwise, the heavy snow might trap them outside.

Just when she thought the marriage talk was over, another issue cropped up from the old house. They demanded each family contribute ten dollars a month as a token of respect.

When their stingy grandmother brought this up, Gu Fanjin almost laughed out loud. The three of them were just teenagers, with their parents away and no one to earn money. Yet, she demanded ten dollars a month without any shame.

But Mrs. Feng was adamant, even threatening to sell them if they couldn't come up with the money.

Gu Fanjin knew this was just a ploy to pressure her into agreeing to the marriage. She refused to give in, but it reminded her that the three siblings had no source of income. She couldn't let anyone discover her secret, so she needed a cover story to hide her abilities.

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