Chapter 77: Even Paying Won't Do

Although the families had been separated, the eldest remained the eldest… Grandpa Qin and his wife might not have favored the eldest branch, but when help was needed, they never held back! They couldn’t help repay the debts, but whenever the eldest branch lacked food or necessities, they found all sorts of ways to assist. No matter what was said, those were still their own son’s children, their own granddaughters! Even if their eldest son had lost his drive and his life, even if their daughter-in-law was unstable, hearts are made of flesh—how could they truly turn a blind eye? It was impossible!

Precisely because of this, when Qin’s mother was struck by her in-laws, she didn’t resist. She remembered their kindness.

Qin Hongfei herself was secretly surprised. Before she traveled through time, she had no real status in the Qin family; she had been confused and felt inferior, thinking her grandparents were biased. But now, seeing things from a different age and perspective, so much became clear. For Grandpa to say such words, it was truly heartfelt. Kindness and gratitude—everything in this world is a matter of give and take; even the deepest bonds cannot endure being neglected or trampled upon.

Understanding her grandfather’s intentions, the look in her eyes softened as she explained, “Grandpa, perhaps you’ve misunderstood. Our family didn’t accept Cousin’s kindness for nothing.”

Grandpa Qin asked, if they didn’t accept it for free, then they must have paid, “Even if you paid, that won’t do.”

Qin Hongfei knew that mere words were unlikely to persuade the old couple. She could only say, “May I speak with just the two of you for a moment?”

Her second aunt, eager for drama, laughed and said, “Hongfei, is there anything you can’t say in front of everyone?”

Qin Hongfei glanced back at her, giving no quarter. “Aunt, I think you know perfectly well why I don’t wish to speak openly. Everyone here isn’t a fool, so why force me to spell it out? I simply don’t want you to overhear because you talk too much.”

Blunt—shockingly blunt.

Everyone else was left stunned.

“Hongfei…” Grandma Qin chided.

“Grandma, Aunt and our branch are already one step away from tearing off all pretense. Why bother acting out this hypocrisy for an audience? It’s not as if anyone here is unaware,” Qin Hongfei replied.

Grandma Qin was left speechless. Glancing at Xia Lu, who was glaring fiercely at her younger daughter-in-law, she felt exhausted.

You’re right.

The first and fifth branches were truly just a hair’s breadth from open hostility. Fine. As long as they didn’t provoke her during the holidays back home, that was enough.

Seeing her mother-in-law fall silent, the second aunt grew annoyed. That should have been my line—why let them say it first? Then again, perhaps it was just as well. Since they were the first to be rude, she wouldn’t have to force herself to put on a smile and exchange pleasantries with that lot, even when she found them revolting. “You want me to listen? I couldn’t care less! Just don’t come crying to me for help later.”

Second Aunt chimed in, “Since Hongfei wants to speak with Mom and Dad, let’s all step out.”

People began filing out.

Uncle Qin couldn’t help but ask, “Sister-in-law, what does Hongfei want to say to Mom and Dad?”

Qin’s mother glared at him. “None of your business.”

Uncle Qin, stung, cursed her in his heart, then turned to his wife. “I wonder what Hongfei wants to say… And why are you glaring at me?”

Second Aunt looked at him crossly. “They don’t even want to deal with us, yet you keep trying to curry favor! Whatever she says, it’s just some trick to fool Mom and Dad. Unless she can produce real money, they won’t care what she says. I won’t agree to them opening an internet café either—if something goes wrong, our family’s reputation will be ruined, and we might even be forced to pay up.” Still, she thought that was unlikely; her in-laws weren’t fools, and that Qin Hongfei girl wouldn’t be able to fool them.