"Bao, I like the house, however, I fear it may be a tad steep, no less than 50 million yuan. After all, it's in the heart of the city, on none other than the Zhongshan Road, coupled with its spacious 5-bedroom apartment," expressed Lin Lisha with a sense of astonishment as well as worry.
Today, Lin Bao accompanied her to visit their new residence on Zhongshan Road for the purpose of signing the property transfer documents and to the hospital for both of their full body check ups. While she had mentally prepared herself to move to the city center, her impoverished mind had never even dared to imagine that the property would be so grand. The location of the residence is the most prominent in Qingdao city, and the house itself is stunningly beautiful, reminiscent of those seen only on television.
The prices of properties in the southern district are soaring to the heavens, not to mention the exorbitant rates in the city center. Lin Lisha lamented, her mind consumed with worry. She feared that her daughter would bear the weight of providing for her, without truly appreciating the sacrifices made on her behalf.
"Sister, don't worry, it's all within our budget," Lin Bao reassured her, trying to keep his voice calm and steady.
"Bao, don't take me as a fool. I am well aware of the exorbitant costs of purchasing a home in the city center," Lin Lisha declared, her tone firm and resolute. "Did we not agree to rent a house?"
Lin Bao gazed at his sister, who appeared to be overly anxious, and offered a reassuring smile. "Sister, even the rental fees are exorbitant. Therefore, when we discovered a property that was within our budget, we decided to purchase it," Lin Bao explained.
"Bao, where did the money come from?" Lin Lisha inquired.
Lin Bao's heart raced as he searched for a plausible explanation. He knew that his sister was no fool and could see right through his lies. But he couldn't risk telling her the truth about their stone gambling, for fear of her wrath and the consequences it might bring.
With a gulp, he averted his gaze and stammered, "It's all from the profits we made at the food stall, combined with Lin Chang's savvy investments and a generous contribution from Lin Hao."
He knew it was a flimsy excuse, but it was the best he could come up with on the spot. He prayed that his sister would buy it and not ask any more questions, but his prayers were in vain.
"Investment? What investment? And you're saying that you bought a house with our food stall profits? Please, spare me the fairy tales. It's only been 15-20 days since we hyped our business and you're saying that we made it beyond fifty million? I demand the truth, Lin Bao." Lin Lisha's eyes blazed with fury as she fixed her gaze on her brother, attempting to intimidate him with her piercing stare. However, her inherently gentle nature made it an impossible feat.
Lin Bao endeavored to compose himself as he gazed upon his sister and uttered, "Sister, my niece has been investing in stocks for a considerable period of time and has amassed a substantial amount of wealth. Furthermore, my nephew has also made a commendable profit. With the combined earnings of both of them and the profits from our stall, we have been able to acquire a property." Lin Bao endeavored to convey his message with a composed and persuasive tone.
Lin Lisha breathed a small sigh of relief, her mind finally able to grasp onto an excuse that seemed plausible. However, as she pondered the situation further, a sense of unease crept over her. "But Bao, don't you think it's unjust for the children? They worked tirelessly to earn that money, only to spend it all? They're still young and need money for their own expenses. And what about Hao? How will he manage to survive in the Capital? You know how high the cost of living is there."
As Lin Bao pondered his sister's words, he initially found himself in agreement. However, upon deeper contemplation, a sense of unease began to gnaw at him. He turned to his sister, his expression troubled. "Sister, actually it's their filial obligation towards you, but when viewed from another angle, do you not think that I am utterly ridiculous?" he queried.
With a look of astonishment, Lin Lisha gazed at Lin Bao and delicately rested her hand on his, inquiring, "Bao, what do you mean by that?"
"Sister, despite being the eldest man in the family , I find myself unable to make even the slightest contribution compared to my niece and nephew towards our family's well-being. And now..." His voice trailed off as a lump formed in his throat, rendering him speechless.
Lin Bao's heart sank as he thought of his niece and nephew effortlessly spending to buy a house for him and his sister. Despite his age and experience, he felt like a mere spectator, unable to offer any meaningful contribution to their family. The weight of his inadequacy bore down on him like a heavy burden, leaving him feeling helpless and insignificant. As he thought of the two young souls, he longed to be a source of guidance and support for both of them, but instead, he was left feeling like a mere burden in their journey. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but one he knew he had to accept.
"Bao, let's not harp on that topic anymore," Lin Lisha gently chided. "Remember, you are the backbone of our food stall business. It was you and I who built it from scratch, and your contribution is invaluable."
Lin Bao forced a smile, trying to brush off the conversation for the sake of his sister. But deep down, he couldn't help but ponder over the thought again and again.
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the chime of his phone. Retrieving the phone from his pocket, he scanned the screen to find a message from none other than Wang Hai. With bated breath, he read the message to his sister "Sister, Wang Hai has submitted the application for our restaurant license. He assures us that our reports are in order and if all goes according to plan, we shall receive our approval by Friday evening."
Knock… knock…
Abruptly, a thunderous pounding echoed through the house, shaking the very foundation of the walls. Lin Lisha and Lin Bao exchanged bewildered glances before cautiously approaching the door, bracing themselves for whatever lay on the other side. With trembling hands, they slowly turned the knob and pulled the door open, revealing the unexpected sight of their estranged parents standing before them.
"Mom, Dad?," they uttered in unison, their voices laced with a hint of apprehension. Despite the long absence, the siblings couldn't muster up the same level of excitement as other children would upon seeing their parents after long. The strained relationship between them had left a bitter taste in their mouths, making it difficult to fully embrace the reunion.
"You little bit*ch" old Mrs Lin cried angrily and walked towards Lin Lisha.
Smack…
The sound of a sharp slap echoed through the halls, jolting Lin Bao and Lin Lisha from their reverie. Lin Lisha's hand instinctively flew to her burning cheek as she stared at her mother in disbelief. Their relationship had always been a bit awkward, but never had she imagined her own mother would strike her without cause. The air was thick with tension as they stood there, both unsure of what to do next. The silence was deafening, broken only by the sound of their racing hearts.
"Sister," Lin Bao's heart raced with concern as he turned to his sister. The sight before him was shocking, and it took a moment for him to steady his emotions. But when he did, his anger boiled over and he growled at his mother, "How dare you lay a hand on my sister!" He strode towards his mother, his eyes blazing with fury. He had always harbored a deep resentment towards this woman for her biasedness, but he had never dared to voice it. But today, it was different. Today, it was about his sister, who was more than just an elder sibling to him. She was his mother in every sense of the word.
Old Mr. Lin's eyes blazed with fury as he glared at the siblings before him. His voice was thick with contempt as he spat out his words, "You wretched creature! Do you truly wish to defy your own mother for the sake of this vile woman?" He regarded them with a loathing that made it seem as though they were not his children but dirt in the damp.
"Humph, you believe yourself to be superior to us, simply because your food stall has garnered some fleeting fame?" The words thundered from the lips of Old Mrs. Lin, her eyes ablaze with righteous fury. "Lin Lisha, I always knew that you're a loose character but never did I imagine that you would stoop to such depths of depravity."
"How did I give birth to such a disgusting woman," exclaimed Old Mr. Lin, as he angrily pounded his walking stick on the ground.
Lin Bao opened his mouth to speak, but Lin Lisha quickly placed a hand on his arm, silently urging him to remain silent. She scanned the faces of those around her, her own biological parents included, as they hurled insults and accusations at her. It was almost too much to bear - how could they treat their own flesh and blood with such contempt?
Her eyes then fell upon Su Fang and Lin Quin, who stood a short distance away. With a deep breath, she turned to face her mother. "Mrs. Lin," she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging within her. "Please, tell me - what have I done wrong?" She no more felt like calling this women her mother.
"Did you see that Old man? The wretched creature has sunk so low as to deny recognising her own mother," exclaimed Old Mrs. Lin, her voice echoing through the house as she feigned sorrow. The ruckus at the door had already drawn the attention of curious neighbors, who had begun to gather around.
Su Fang's eyes scanned the crowd gathered around the house, a sly smirk playing on her lips. "Look at the audacity of that bitch," she said. "Rebelling against her own family now? Years ago we supported her when she ran away with that man and brought back those two illegitimate children, ungrateful wretch."
She turned to her husband, her voice rising with each word. "you see that Lin Quin? That's the kind of woman she is. Disgusting." Su Fang relished in the attention she was receiving, her words carrying far beyond the immediate circle.
This was her revenge for the slap she had received that day. And oh, how sweet it tasted.
Lin Lisha's energy was sapped, as her past horrors were thrust upon her once more. She scanned around, observing the murmurs and whispers. Her strength faltered, her legs buckling beneath her.
"Sister," Lin Bao cried out, rushing to her side and cradling her in his arms. He glared at Su Fang, his anger palpable. "Why are you doing this? You know it wasn't her fault. That man left her alone with two children. And what illegitimate children? She was legally married to him!" Lin Bao's eyes welled up with tears as he spoke of his sister's traumatic past.
"Legally married? Are you out of your mind or have you conveniently forgotten everything that has transpired in the past? We even went to the marriage registration bureau and there was no trace of their supposed marriage. So, if you still insist that they were married, then where is the proof? Where is the marriage certificate?"
Su Fang was not about to let Lin Lisha get away easily. Today, she was determined to take back everything and leave Lin Lisha with nothing. Not only would she reclaim her food stall, but she would also make it impossible for Lin Lisha to survive in Qingdao city. This was the price one has to pay for crossing Su Fang. It was not just about revenge, but also about what had happened in the past.