Qi Zhijun blushed with embarrassment. Qi's mother said with a gloomy face, "What's done is done. You can't expect that child to pay with her life. If you have any demands, just say that we Qi family members are not the kind of people who do things and then deny them. Whatever compensation you want, we will pay it. Please watch your mouth. After all, Wei Shuqing is still a member of our Qi family."

Mother Wei sneered, "Admit your losses, huh? Good! Give them back all the money they've spent on the two children over the years, not a penny less. And give our Shuqing a house in her name. That way, we won't sue or cause any trouble. Qi Zhijun can divorce her if he wants, but if he doesn't, then they can separate and all of Qi Zhijun's salary will be handed over to Shuqing. If my daughter is still this pale and thin after all that, I won't even bring her back to you, even if she dies of starvation. I'll dig up her grave and curse him for being so bad at managing money! You deserve to die!"

Mr. and Mrs. Qi were so angry that their chests felt like they were blocked by a huge rock, and they were panting heavily. Mrs. Wei was relentless, "What I want now is money, and the house! Otherwise, we'll go to the neighborhood committee, the police station, their workplace, and that little brat's school and have a good talk!"

Qi Zhijun tried to soothe his mother, and after a while, her tone softened, "My dear in-law, every family needs firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea to make a living. These little things cost money, and even if you ask me for them now, I can't give you any..."

Mother Wei waved her hand and said, "You always say you're right. You might as well change your name to Chang Youli (meaning 'always right'). Didn't you say that you haven't spent any of my daughter's money all these years? It's all your own. So give me back my daughter and son-in-law's money, and in return, give me one of your houses in exchange for your daughter and grandson's reputation. That's a good deal. It was earned with my grandson's life. These are the three conditions. You can't have any less than one, and you have to do it right away."

Mother Qi wiped away her tears and said, "We have no money. We've spent it all on living off this whole family over the years. As for the house, it will all be theirs when my husband and I are gone..."

Mother Wei laughed angrily, "You mean you won't give me any money, and you won't even give me my life? Are you playing the fool with me? The two of them only make 58 yuan a month, do you eat gold?! You haven't earned a single penny yet? With your disloyalty, how dare you manage the household?"

Qi Zhijun pleaded, "Mom, please have mercy on us this time, and I'll..."

Mother Wei spat, "Future? When you were going to marry our Shuqing, you promised me you wouldn't let her suffer, that you'd give Shuqing a good life. You two old hags even said you'd only help support their family and raise their children. My perfectly good daughter, you've ruined her like this, and you still have the nerve to talk to me about the future? There's no future. Just get this done today. If you do it well, we'll be in-laws. If you don't, then we'll be sworn enemies—the hatred of killing one's father, the resentment of having one's wife stolen, the pain of losing one's child. This is irreconcilable; we are sworn enemies."

Mother Qi held her head, while Father Qi said in a deep voice, "Fine, it's theirs anyway, so let's transfer the house to them. Let's divide the family property then. It's our fault for being old and annoying. The money our child left with us has been spent on all sorts of things over the years, so we really can't give it to you. If you can wait, his mother and I will work hard and save up to pay them back! In the end, it's my fault for not raising my son properly, so I apologize to you!" As he spoke, he stood up and bowed to the Wei family. Mother Qi called out "Old Man" and Qi Zhijun called out "Dad," and quickly helped Father Qi up, looking at the Wei family with grievance and resentment.

Mother Wei sneered, "Fine, I'll take care of this for Shuqing. I'll take my daughter and grandson back first, and then I'll send them back after you've transferred the house title! Don't keep us waiting too long, or I'll end up spreading rumors about you!"

Wei Shuqing stretched out her hand and said, "Qi Zhijun, it's time to get paid today! Bring me the money and the ration coupons!"

Qi Zhijun opened his mouth but couldn't speak. He looked at his parents and slowly handed the 28 yuan and the ticket to Wei Shuqing. Wei Shuqing carefully put them in her pocket. The Wei family walked away with their heads held high, like triumphant roosters.

Qi Zhijun picked up the few spinach leaves on the ground and put them in his basket. He watched as his father silently turned and went into the house, while his mother lay on the table crying. Helplessly, she went into the kitchen.