Chapter 607: An Unreasonable Request
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Enough, brother,” Lin Lao’er implored, “Although Su Bing and Su Li are not related to us by blood, they are bound to us by fate. They call Gu Zi ‘mother’, and that makes me their grandfather. You cannot possibly expect to take these two school admission slots from them.”
Gu Zi and Mother Lin entered the room, followed closely by Lin Laoda’s wife. They found Lin Lao’er standing by the table, trembling with rage. Mother Lin rushed to support her husband, her voice laced with irritation, “What did you say to him, brother? He’s so upset. His leg hasn’t fully recovered yet. If anything happens to him, our family will never forgive you.”
Mother Lin knew her husband well. In all their years together, she had never seen him lose his temper. This outburst could only mean that Lin Laoda had made an unreasonable demand. It was clear that Lin Laoda had singled out her husband, taking advantage of his good nature and easygoing demeanor.
First, it was Lin Laoyao’s family, and now it was Lin Laoda’s. They were all too much. They claimed to be brothers, but they never treated Lin Lao’er as one. They always took advantage of his kindness, making unreasonable demands. Mother Lin was furious, her eyes reddening. Seeing her parents so wronged, Gu Zi’s expression darkened. From her father’s words, she could guess what Lin Laoda had said. He must have been trying to claim the two school admission slots. Not only would her father disagree, but she would not allow it either.
Before she could speak, her aunt spoke up, addressing Gu Zi’s parents, “Lin Lao’er, An Yun, aren’t you being a bit too dramatic? You’re giving such a great opportunity to two people who have no blood relation to you. Isn’t that a waste? Do you really think those three children will recognize Gu Zi in the future? Don’t be naive.
“Give the slots to my two grandsons. At least they are related by blood. If they succeed in the future, it will bring honor to the Lin family. You will also benefit from their success. You can’t be as foolish as your husband.”
Gu Zi’s face darkened further. She said, “Aunt, since I married Su Shen, and the three children call him ‘father’ and me ‘mother’, I am their mother. Blood relations are not always reliable. Just look at my father’s leg. I thought you and my uncle would be different, but it seems I was wrong.”
Mother Lin echoed her daughter’s words, scolding, “Sister-in-law, please refrain from making such comments in the future. If we didn’t know better, we might think you’re trying to sow discord among us. Considering you’ve already stated that you have no relation to our family, there’s no need for us to entertain you. You don’t need to remember that you have a brother.”
Lin Lao’er patted his wife’s shoulder, his gaze cold as he looked at his elder brother and his wife. His silence was the best response. He was, of course, siding with his wife and daughter.
Lin Laoda and his wife were taken aback. They hadn’t expected Lin Lao’er and his wife to be so direct. It seemed that wealth had given them a backbone.
Lin Laoda tried to lighten the mood, but just then, a tall, handsome man entered, carrying a little girl. Two boys followed him. The taller boy glared at them, his gaze chilling.
Without a doubt, these were Gu Zi’s three stepchildren, and the man carrying the girl was her husband.
Lin Laoda put on a pleasing smile and extended his hand, “Mr. Su, I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Gu Zi’s uncle, which makes me your elder.”
He was relieved that Su Shen hadn’t heard their earlier conversation. However, he didn’t know that Su Shen and the children had returned just as he and Lin Lao’er had started arguing. There were too many people, so Su Shen had stayed back, quietly observing. He had a pretty good idea of what was going on.
Gu Zi took Su Le from Su Shen. Su Shen looked at Lin Laoda, his expression cold. He said, “Your behavior is not befitting of an elder. I’m sorry, but I find it hard to respect you as one. Given what just happened, I believe it would be uncomfortable for you to stay. There’s no need to put yourselves through that.”