Chapter 82: It's All Because of That Black-Hearted Scoundrel from the Fifth Branch!

Qin Hongfei recounted the conditions set by the elderly couple, the first being the matter of attending school and taking exams.

Upon hearing this, Qin’s mother couldn’t help but ask, “Is it your grandmother who’s forcing you to go to school? But you don’t like school, do you? You’re always bullied there. If you’re not happy…” Her reaction was not without reason.

Qin Hongfei was ostracized at school. It was partly because of her father, and for other reasons as well. But none of that really mattered anymore.

Qin Hongfei didn’t care to explain at length; it was exhausting. She simply said, “No, I like going to school.”

Qin’s mother was taken aback. But you clearly said before… She couldn’t shake the feeling that her youngest daughter had changed a great deal. She was no longer bottling everything up, no longer silently enduring grievances. She seemed much more lively now. Oh well, children are ever-changing. If you like it, go to school. It’s not important; liking it is enough.

Qin Fei had dropped out early to enter the entertainment industry, so she knew the value of education. She had always hoped to send Hongfei back to school, but hadn’t expected the elders to arrange it so directly. Pleased, she said, “How is this a condition? Are our grandparents out of their minds? This isn’t a demand—it’s practically a gift! Though scoring ninety is a bit tough… But never mind, go first and see. If you don’t make it, are they really going to force you to drop out?” She was quite optimistic.

“There’s another condition…” Qin Hongfei revealed the matter of the housekeeper.

Qin Fei’s eyes widened. “Hongfei, you’ve sold your sister out.”

Qin’s mother felt frustrated, wanting to scold her, yet unable to bring herself to do it. She instead cursed, “It’s all the fifth branch’s fault, those heartless people!”

Beside them, Aunt Qin, who’d been waiting for news, looked positively livid. She wanted to curse the main branch! Are you addicted to blaming me? Whatever happens, it’s always my fault! But remembering that this was a madwoman, she held back, knowing that Xia Lu would surely have even more to say if she responded. Best not to tangle with a shrew. She endured it and left, fuming.

Qin Fei spoke with satisfaction, “I used to feel bad that I couldn’t help, but now it turns out I don’t have to do anything and still have some value. That’s wonderful.” She was genuinely delighted.

Qin Hongfei, who had been about to comfort her, looked wooden. “….”

Who said Qin Fei was dull? She was clearly an optimist, wasn’t she? Well, that was all right—less to worry about.

With the matter resolved, the main branch didn’t stay. After all, Xia Shangxu felt unwelcome, as no one even greeted him, so he left.

Meanwhile, Grandpa Qin discussed with his wife how to arrange for Hongfei’s return to school. It wouldn’t be easy; he’d have to swallow his pride and ask favors.

Grandma Qin remarked, “I didn’t originally intend to interfere, but this child is worth saving. She knows gratitude…” Qin Hongfei understood they were acting for her sake. The old couple could see it too—this child respected them.

Otherwise, as the little girl said, the internet café was only being announced, not negotiated. If it were to open, who could stop it? Would they smash it afterward? That would hurt everyone.

The internet café was casually mentioned to the other branches, and the second condition wasn’t concealed either; it was discussed with the fifth branch, since they’d be footing the bill.

Aunt Qin was clearly displeased.

Grandma Qin noticed but didn’t bother to comment. Asking people for money naturally made them unhappy. But she wasn’t draining the fifth branch to help the main branch—it was simply what the fifth branch owed.

“There’s one more thing. Your father and I will find a way to arrange for Hongfei to go back to school.”