Chapter 2002 - 2002: The Temptation of Wealth (Part 4)
Confronted with his father's question, Xu Lei appeared sincere, "I'm concerned about you all, aren't I? Our family has suffered for so many years, practically having nothing. The country ought to compensate us, and it shouldn't be any less."
Old Xu and Missus Xu listened and couldn't help but look at this eldest son, almost unrecognizable, whom they hadn't seen in over twenty years.
When he saw his parents, he didn't even ask how they had been all these years, nor did he inquire about their health.
No good intentions here!
Old Xu sighed inwardly. What was even harder for him to accept was that his granddaughter, upon entering, hadn't greeted her grandparents, but instead scrutinized the Xu Family ancestral home critically. She spoke up directly, "Is this the ancestral home of the Xu Family that is only passed down to the firstborn son? It doesn't seem that great. Huaibei City is just behind the times. Dad, let's sell this house and figure out a way to go to Hong Kong, okay? I heard Hong Kong is lively and prosperous."
She acted as if the Xu elders were beneath her.
"Xu Lei, what do you mean?" Missus Xu was furious, a bit of tact should prevent one from being so blatant, right?
He was the Xu family's highly regarded eldest son; how did he become like this?
His appearance unfamiliar, his temperament changed drastically.
Xu Lei glared at his daughter, "Jingying, do not be disrespectful to your grandparents."
Xu Jingying responded nonchalantly, "My grandparents were cultured city people, big officials; they're not ragged old foagies! Dad, didn't you say there was hidden gold and jewelry at home? Quickly find it, and let's take it. Mom and brother are waiting for us. If we're going to Hong Kong, it's best to bring gold."
Old Xu's face changed dramatically, and he shouted sternly, "Xu Lei, clarify things for me. What's going on? Where are Dabao and Erbao?"
Dabao and Erbao were his eldest and second grandsons, both over twenty years old. He also had a grown granddaughter, but Xu Jingying was just in her early teens, so her brother could only be younger. They planned to go to Hong Kong, but they only mentioned taking the brother, not the elder brothers; what did this mean?
Old Xu had an ominous feeling in his heart.
Xu Jingying scoffed, "You mean those debt collectors my dad's ex-wife gave birth to? They've long since snuck into Hong Kong with their dead ghost of a mother. Whether they're alive or dead, who knows!"
Old Xu and Missus Xu were both shocked and angered.
"Xu Lei, tell the truth, what happened with Dabao's mother?" Old Xu had thought his grandchildren encountered trouble during turbulent times, but now he realized that Xu Jingying was born of a woman his son married later.
And wasn't he supposed to be in the Northwest? How did he know about Hong Kong? It was the second son, Xu Sen, who was in the Southeast.
Xu Lei said impatiently, "What's there to ask? It all passed long ago. I just got divorced, it's not like they starved to death during hard times! Dad, enough idle talk, just hand over any gold and jewelry you hid before, and I'll leave you this old house to my brother!"
Many children naturally feel entitled to demand and take from their parents, as though no matter what kind of person they are or how unseemly their words, their parents won't be angry.
Xu Lei was such a person.
Actually, given his experiences, his demeanor should be more tactful, but he believed his parents' misfortunes had burdened him with a bad reputation, affecting his career. He now felt he should be compensated.
"We don't have any gold or jewelry!" Missus Xu, in extreme anger, finally shouted out, "Even those you knew about were exchanged for food during the hard times to help us, help you, through the difficulties. Where's there any gold or jewelry left for you?"
...almost died of busyness, nearly couldn't write this out, busy from morning till night