Chapter 233: Chapter 233: Let her work off the debt Chapter 233: Chapter 233: Let her work off the debt “Sangsang, could you give Granny a suggestion, there must be a way to pay that share of money right? Granny’s been thinking all afternoon and still can’t figure out what to do.
I mean, you and Changhong can handle this, but girl Qing and Changyi are still too young, and Changfeng needs to continue his studies. How can he afford the shared expenses? And girl He, well, I won’t even mention her.”
I had the same thought before, calculating the expenses on a per capita basis and ensuring everyone pays in time. This would stop the daily complaints and squabbles.
It only ended up making our happy family feel like a bunch of strangers. It’s been hard for me to watch.
“Granny, you’re thinking too much.” Lin Caisang laughed softly.
“Look at Qing’er, she’s really good at working. Who would dare say she’s slow when it comes to planting vegetable sprouts on Manghuang Mountain? I’ve already thought it through. We can just pay her and Changyi the same wage we pay the others in the village. I’m sure they can come up with the money. As for Brother Changfeng, since Third Uncle and Third Aunt insist on putting him through school, naturally, they should be the ones paying his share.”
Lu Qiubo nodded, satisfied with what Lin Caisang had to say.
“From now on, allow girl Qing and Changyi to work for you and you will pay their share.”
In any case, who contributes and how much is up to her. This way, she can save Sangsang quite a bit of money, as long as Sangsang doesn’t go spreading it around.
“And then there’s girl He, she is such a handful…” Never one to take the easy path.
If it weren’t for her, our family would not be in such a state of turmoil. It’s almost as if she’s trying to drive me, her granny, to an early grave.
“If she wants to earn money, let her do so. If she can’t make money, let her work off her debt. She can fetch wood, carry water, wash clothes, cook – any labor will count towards her share.”
Lin Caisang was straightforward about it.
These years, Lin Caihe’s problematic behavior had been entirely due to being spoiled by the family. Starting today, she wouldn’t tolerate it anymore. If you want to eat, you’d have to work, everyone should be equal!
“That’s a good idea.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Qiubo’s eyes lit up and she clapped her hands. But in the next moment, she started worrying again.
“But how much should we ask for the shared expenses…” She couldn’t make up her mind.
“As for the amount, Granny, I recall we have several households in our village who contribute their share of money. How about you simply follow their example?”
Lin Caisang reminded Lu Qiubo.
“Those people are not the same as us – they may only have a few meat meals in a year while at our home, a day without meat is inconceivable.” Lu Qiubo retorted discontentedly.
Lately indeed, there was meat on the table everyday, sometimes, a simple meat soup, which was not comparable to others’ households.
Hearing her Granny’s words, Lin Caisang understood that her Granny was upset with Lin Caihe’s escapades and didn’t want to let her off easily, aiming to collect extra money.
“Then let’s ask for two wen more daily than other families, how does that sound?” She suggested.
That would both let Granny vent her frustration and teach Lin Caihe a lesson.
Upon hearing Lin Caisang’s words, Lu Qiubo immediately nodded in approval, feeling satisfied.
Soon, Lin Changhong came back. Lu Qiubo gathered all ten family members in the main room, with a stern face, she stretched out her hand for the money.
“What? One hundred and fifty wen per person per month? Granny, is this…” extortion?!”