Chapter 109 Divorced to two ungrateful wretches, ah...
The moment Sun Xuewen and Sun Xuewu uttered those words, the way everyone present looked at the two brothers immediately changed.
Tsk tsk, this is his own son!
As outsiders, they could understand Li Dama's pain and comfort her, even though these two were her own sons. Yet they ignored Li Dama's suffering and acted as if Li Dama was making trouble for no reason.
It would have been better to have a piece of barbecued pork than to have given birth to them!
"Smack—"
A crisp slap rang out, and Mingxi quickly turned her head to look. She saw that the one who did it was Grandma Sun's only daughter, Sun Lili. She rushed forward and slapped Sun Xuewen and Sun Xuewu once each.
"How dare you two talk like that!" Sun Lili glared at her, her voice full of arrogance. "Who taught you two to say such awful things? You think your mother is shameful? Shameful? Have you both forgotten who you came from? I gave birth to you, raised you, and served you every day. The two of you are the least qualified to look down on me. When you were in school, Xuewen, our family was poor. It was I who worked day and night at home pasting matchboxes to pay for your tuition. Have you forgotten all that? And now you're learning martial arts. Look at yourselves, over twenty years old, still living at home, making me serve you, wash your clothes, and cook for you. Don't you even see how hard I work? If you ask me, the most shameful thing is that you two ungrateful wretches say your mother is shameful! Just wait and see, when these words reach your workplace, your colleagues' ears, and your girlfriend's, let's see if they'll think you're shameful!"
Sun Lili pointed at the Sun Xuewen and Sun Xuewu brothers and berated them harshly, making their faces turn bright red.
Having worked as a matchmaker for so long, Mingxi had accumulated some experience in judging people. She could tell at a glance that the two brothers weren't blushing with embarrassment, but rather blushing with anger because they felt that Sun Lili was disrespecting them.
Sure enough, the impulsive Sun Xuewu couldn't hold back his temper and exploded the next second.
“Sun Lili, are you crazy? Don’t think that just because you’re a few years older than me and are my older sister, you can lecture me! You say I’m ashamed of Mom, then why don’t you say Mom wants to divorce Dad? What did Dad do wrong? All he did was ask Mom to pay for Grandma’s grave relocation. That’s our dear Grandma. Her grave collapsed, so what’s wrong with Mom, as her daughter-in-law, paying for the relocation?”
Sun Xuewu wasn't stupid. He knew that his claim of shame for his own mother was untenable, so he didn't dwell on that. Instead, he focused on the fact that Aunt Li wanted a divorce.
Sun Lili raised her hand and slapped him again: "I'm your older sister, so I have the right to teach you a lesson."
Sun Xuewu's head was buzzing from the beating. He gritted his teeth and shouted defiantly, "You're a married woman. Now that you're married out, don't worry about your family's affairs. We'll discuss things ourselves."
Sun Lili was so angry that she rolled up her sleeves.
She didn't really go all out with those two blows; she wasn't actually fighting Sun Xuewen and Sun Xuewu. But now she's really itching to teach those two bastards a lesson.
So what if she's married out of the family? Who says a married daughter can't care about her parents' family? Her own mother has suffered so much injustice, and she's not even allowed to come back and say a word?
Sun Lili rolled up her sleeves to her elbows, and before anyone could react, she took a big step forward, grabbed Sun Xuewu by the collar, and slapped him several times across the face.
"Who told you that married women can't interfere in their parents' family affairs? I'm going to interfere today anyway, so what if you're not happy about it?"
Sun Xuewu was stunned by the blows. After taking a few hits, the pain on his face brought him back to his senses, and he subconsciously raised his hand to fight back.
"Hey! Stop fighting! You two siblings, talk things out instead of resorting to violence!"
Sun Xuewu raised his hand halfway before Mingxi stepped forward and stopped him. She pinched Sun Xuewu's arm while winking at Sun Lili.
Receiving the signal, Sun Lili quickly slapped Sun Xuewu across the face a few more times before letting go.
She let go and quickly took two steps back, leaving Sun Xuewu staring with wide eyes, looking aggrieved.
Sun Xuewu covered his face and glanced at Sun Lili, then turned his head to look at Mingxi, his eyes filled with deep anger.
Don't think he doesn't know; Sun Lili and Mingxi had planned it together!
But in front of everyone, Sun Xuewu could not retaliate and could only swallow this bitter pill.
Mingxi squeezed between Sun Lili and Sun Xuewu, not forgetting that she had come today to mediate between Aunt Li and Uncle Sun.
She said, "Sun Lili, Sun Xuewu, you two siblings, stop arguing for a moment. Let's talk about Aunt Li and Uncle Sun's divorce first."
Mingxi looked at Aunt Li: "Aunt Li, have you thought it through? Do you and Uncle Sun really want to get a divorce?"
Aunt Li's expression was firm: "I've made up my mind! I don't want to live with him anymore, I want a divorce!"
“Okay.” Mingxi took a deep breath and then turned to look at Grandpa Sun: “Grandpa Sun, what about you? Have you also decided to divorce Aunt Li?”
"Who said I wanted a divorce!" Grandpa Sun became anxious, pointing at Mingxi and complaining without even asking what happened. "What nonsense are you talking about, you little girl? Who said I wanted a divorce? I never agreed to a divorce!"
He coughed twice and said, "I'm almost sixty years old this year. If people find out I'm getting a divorce at this age, they'll laugh at me. No divorce, no divorce, I won't get a divorce!"
Mingxi: "Uncle Sun, you can't say that. Others are other people, you don't need to care what they say. If you want a divorce..."
Grandpa Sun lost his temper: "I've already said I won't get a divorce, I won't get a divorce, but you little girl keep talking about divorce. Are you trying to break me up with my wife on purpose? Is this how people who work at the Women's Federation are? Don't you want other people's families to be happy?"
As he spoke, he glanced at Sister Wang behind Mingxi.
He saw it; this person came with Mingxi, and might even be Mingxi's boss.
Mingxi noticed Grandpa Sun's gaze, and she couldn't help but want to curse.
The people in the courtyard usually said that Grandpa Sun was an honest man, but she thought he was quite cunning!
She deliberately said those things to Sister Wang. If Sister Wang were her boss or a colleague she didn't get along with, she would secretly complain about her to the boss when she got back, and she wouldn't get away with it!
Fortunately, it was Sister Wang who came today, and she has a good relationship with Mingxi.
Sister Wang stepped forward, but instead of criticizing Mingxi as Grandpa Sun expected, she pulled Mingxi behind her, leaving her to deal with Grandpa Sun.
According to procedure, when a couple is getting a divorce and one party is unwilling to divorce, the Women's Federation should focus on reconciliation when they come to mediate. Although Sister Wang also disliked Grandpa Sun, she still tried to persuade him.
"Since the old man is unwilling to get a divorce, I still have to say a few words of advice to the old woman."
Sister Wang looked at Aunt Li and said, "Auntie, I see that you and this gentleman are not young. You must be over fifty this year, right? You've been married for almost thirty years, haven't you? Take my advice. You've spent most of your lives together. It would be a pity to get a divorce like this."
Aunt Li was determined to get a divorce. She shook her head and said, "It's not a pity. I was foolish when I was young and didn't think things through. If I had known that spending my life with him would be so bitter and tiring, I would have divorced him long ago!"
Speechless for a moment, Sister Wang continued, "Then you should also think about the future. You're over fifty this year, and you don't have a job. How will you live and take care of yourself in your old age?"
"I'll take care of this!"
Before Aunt Li could speak, Sun Lili interrupted, "I'll take care of my mother's retirement! After her divorce, I'll bring her to live with me and take care of her."
Grandpa Sun's face darkened upon hearing this. He scolded her, "What nonsense are you spouting, girl? Your mother is just saying things in anger; she won't really divorce me. You're so impatient, it's like you're hoping for our divorce!"
Sun Lili glanced at Grandpa Sun, holding back her thoughts.
To be honest, she had been hoping for her biological parents to get divorced for a long time.
Sun Lili was Li Dama and Sun Dama's first child. Old Mrs. Sun already enjoyed tormenting her daughter-in-law, and since Li Dama's first child was a daughter, not a son, her attitude towards Li Dama became even worse. Li Dama was kind-hearted, but her sisters-in-law were all opportunistic. Seeing that their mother-in-law, who was in charge of the household, didn't like Li Dama, they secretly bullied her, dumping chores on her that weren't hers, and constantly ignoring Li Dama in their words and actions.
Sun Lili was sensible at a young age. She saw these things and even argued with her aunt and uncle in the next room about how Aunt Li was being bullied. She also resented her grandmother for being so mean to her mother.
When she grew up, she realized that the root of the problem lay with her father.
So Sun Lili had been hoping for her mother and father to divorce for a long time.
Of course, Sun Lili didn't say this aloud.
Seeing that Sun Lili didn't speak, Grandpa Sun assumed she had taken his words to heart and added, "Besides, you're making it sound so easy now. You're going to take your mother in and take care of her? How are you going to take care of her? You're married now. Do you think your husband will agree to you taking your mother in and living with her? If he doesn't agree, you'll have to send her back. Then your mother will have nowhere to go. She has no job, no money, and nowhere to live. How are you going to let her live? You're making it sound so easy now, but you're only hurting your mother!"
He said this seemingly to Sun Lili, but he was actually mainly talking to Aunt Li.
The implication was that Aunt Li should not easily believe Sun Lili's words, should not divorce her, and that divorcing her would lead to a bad end.
Aunt Li didn't care about what Uncle Sun said.
She never considered living with her daughter and having her take care of her in her old age, knowing that her son-in-law would definitely be unhappy about it.
She planned to go back to her parents' home, which was also in the city. Although her parents had passed away long ago, she still had a younger brother. She didn't ask for much; she just wanted her brother to find her a place to stay. She had some savings she had accumulated over the years, and if she spent it frugally, it would last her for a while.
She can also continue to take on handicrafts at the neighborhood office to earn money. If she works fast and does a lot, she can earn at least ten yuan a month.
That's enough for her to live on her own.
Seeing that Aunt Li wasn't in a hurry at all despite his long explanation, Grandpa Sun couldn't sit still any longer and continued to say to Sun Lili, "Also, your mother is in her fifties, almost sixty. Don't be fooled by her good health these past few years; just wait a few more years, and all sorts of illnesses and ailments will come knocking. When she can't get out of bed and can't move, and you young people have to take care of her, you'll know how difficult it will be. You have to go to work, take care of the family, and have several children. How will you have time to take care of your mother? Don't let her starve to death in bed! It's better for the two of us old folks to support each other!"
Needless to say, these words were meant for Aunt Li's ears.
However, these words had no effect on Aunt Li.
She just scoffed after hearing that, thinking to herself, "So you know that taking care of a sick elderly person isn't easy."
When she complained of being tired while taking care of the seriously ill old woman, why did the other party say that she was making a mountain out of a molehill?
Grandpa Sun talked on and on, until he was hoarse and his mouth was dry. When he saw that Grandma Li still didn't react, he got angry!
Just then, Mingxi stepped forward and said, "Uncle Sun, you don't need to worry about this. According to the law, if you and Aunt Li divorce, Aunt Li will get half of the marital property you have accumulated over the years."
She smiled slightly, and fearing that Mr. Sun might not know the definition of marital property, she specially explained to him: "All income earned by the two of you after you got married is considered marital property, including your salary over the years and the house."
Grandpa Sun's house is a private property. It was left to Grandpa Sun after Grandma Sun passed away, according to the agreement they had made beforehand. So, if we're going to calculate it, it's considered joint property of the couple.
"What?!"
They want his money and his house too?
Grandpa Sun's expression changed completely upon hearing this.
"No, no, how can this be divided? I earned my own salary, and the house was left to me by my parents. How can this be divided? It can't be divided!" Grandpa Sun muttered.
He looked up at Mingxi: "Don't try to fool me with your lies, you little brat!"
Mingxi blinked: "Grandpa, I'm not lying to you. This is a newly revised provision in the Marriage Law this year. It's written in the code. If you don't believe me, you can go to the court and ask."
Grandpa Sun wasn't stupid; he knew that if Mingxi dared to say that, he definitely wasn't lying, but he was unwilling!
He didn't want a divorce before because he didn't want to lose such a good wife as Aunt Li, who managed the household so well. Aunt Li was kind-hearted and efficient; he didn't have to worry about anything at home, and he didn't have to lift a finger to do any chores. If they divorced, he knew he would never find another wife like her, so he didn't want a divorce.
But now he doesn't want a divorce, he really doesn't, he's afraid that Aunt Li will take all his house and money away.
Grandpa Sun's expression changed quickly. He lowered his eyes, tugged at Grandma Li, and said in an honest manner, "Chunzhi, if you don't want to use your private savings to move my mother's grave, then don't use your private savings. Don't talk about divorce."
Aunt Li was stunned for a moment, then chuckled softly after realizing what was happening.
She really underestimated the old man's shamelessness.
Before I knew that marital property could be divided in a divorce, he was so arrogant. Now that I know, he immediately admitted his mistake and said that if he didn't want to contribute his secret savings, he didn't have to.
Haha, they must be treating her like a fool!
Not only was Aunt Li stunned, but even the neighbors in the courtyard were dumbfounded.
I had only heard that Grandpa Sun was an honest man before, but now I see that he has quite a few cunning tricks up his sleeve.
Grandpa Sun still pretended to be honest and simple, pulling Grandma Li to beg for peace, his skin was thicker than a city wall.
Grandpa Sun pretended not to notice the strange looks from the people in the courtyard and continued, "I was wrong before. It's just moving a grave, there's no need to spend so much money. Our family isn't rich, so there's no need to pretend to be rich just to look good. We should do what we can afford. Here's what I'll do: I'll go see my older brother and the others tomorrow and ask them what they plan to do. Then we can chip in, and each family will only need to contribute a few dozen yuan at most."
hehe.
Before, it was always the same old story about how hard my mother had worked, and it seemed like no one was ever going to throw a big, lavish party for her.
Mingxi pouted. Actually, she had wanted to say this for a long time: Old Granny Sun didn't only have Grandpa Sun as her son. If the grave really needed to be moved, shouldn't the other branches of the Sun family contribute money together? Why did Grandpa Sun take on all the responsibility himself?
Now I understand, it turns out they don't feel bad about not having to spend their own money.
Anyway, since it's Aunt Li who's paying, Grandpa Sun doesn't have to touch his own money. Plus, this way he can get a good reputation and be known as a filial son, making all his brothers and sisters look bad.
Now that he's afraid of spending money, he immediately says he wants to find other brothers to share the burden. He really knows how to calculate, he's too good at calculating.
Seeing that Aunt Li was silent, Grandpa Sun quickly tugged at his two sons, signaling them to speak up for him.
Sun Xuewen and Sun Xuewu quickly spoke up.
"Mom, look what Dad said, so stop making a scene. Let's go home. There are so many people in the yard. If you keep making a scene, they'll just laugh at you."
"Yes, Mom, you're angry because Dad let you take your secret stash of money. Now that Dad says he doesn't need your money, you should be calmed down, right?"
"That's enough. You two make up so I can go back to work. If I take the day off today, I won't get full attendance bonus this month."
"Mom, you should also control your temper. I don't know if you're going through menopause, but you've been getting more and more irritable lately. Next time, don't get angry with Dad over such a small thing."
Sun Xuewen and Sun Xuewu spoke one sentence at a time, but Aunt Li pretended not to hear them.
She looked at Mingxi: "Xiaoming, what should I do if I want to get a divorce?"
Mingxi: "Oh, well, if you and Grandpa Sun have reached an agreement on divorce, you can get a letter of introduction from the factory, and then go to the neighborhood office to get the divorce certificate. Oh, and don't forget to sign a divorce agreement, clearly stating the division of property. If you and Grandpa Sun can't reach an agreement, you'll have to file for divorce and go to court. If you're going to file for divorce, you'd better find a lawyer. If you need one, our Women's Federation can introduce you to one."
As Mingxi spoke, Grandpa Sun's expression grew increasingly grim.
He interrupted Mingxi with a roar: "What are you doing? I already said I won't get a divorce!"
Aunt Li: "If you won't divorce me, I will! I don't want to live with you for another day, I want a divorce!"
Things have escalated to this point, and it's no longer just about money, nor is it about Old Sun's wife. She's realized that the other man isn't worth it. In the past, she had no choice; her children were still young, and she was alone, penniless, unemployed, and without any means of support. She didn't want to live with Old Sun, but she didn't dare to divorce him.
But now that her children are all grown up, her eldest daughter and son are married, and her youngest son, who is not yet married, will soon be getting married as well. She has no burdens and can get a divorce.
To be honest, Aunt Li knew she was getting on in years, and if she got a divorce at this age, people would definitely gossip. But she just didn't want to continue living with Old Sun. She had no choice but to endure it before, and that had lasted for over thirty years. Most of her life had passed by like that. She didn't have much time left, and she didn't want to continue torturing herself with Old Sun.
Aunt Li firmly stated, "I'm determined to get a divorce."
Grandpa Sun waved his hand defiantly: "Then leave. I'll see how you try to divorce me if I don't agree!"
Aunt Li: "Then I'll sue you for a divorce!"
Grandpa Sun was furious; he didn't want a divorce or to go to court.
Going to court is such a loss of face!
He kept winking at the two brothers, Sun Xuewen and Sun Xuewu, who were standing next to him, hoping they would say a few words to persuade their mother.
Sun Xuewen and Sun Xuewu did receive their father's hint, but there was nothing they could do about it.
They did say something, but their mother didn't listen to a word and was determined to get a divorce. What could they do?
Just as Grandpa Sun was at a loss for what to do, Grandma Li spoke up again: "Ming girl, can you introduce me to a lawyer? I want to find out how much lawyers charge."
Mingxi: "This is a free lawyer. Our Women's Federation has a partner law firm that provides free assistance, so there are no fees."
Aunt Li: "Oh, I see..."
Grandpa Sun was furious. He glared at Mingxi, trembling. He wanted to scold Mingxi, but he was afraid that Zhao Sulan would come back and cause trouble for him that night. In the end, he had no choice but to angrily turn his sleeves and go home.
He planned to wait until his wife came home and then try to appeal to her emotions to stop her from making a fuss about divorce.
Mingxi had no idea what he was thinking, so she explained to Aunt Li the lawyers who were cooperating with the Women's Federation and the litigation process.
She came today to mediate the conflict. Now that Grandpa Sun has left, she figured the argument wouldn't escalate in the second half, so she went back to the Women's Federation with Sister Wang.
When she got off work that evening, she asked Aunt He about it and heard that after Grandpa Sun went back to his house in the morning, Aunt Li went in not long after.
No one knows what the two said in the room, but not long after, Aunt Li left with Sun Lili carrying a bundle, apparently to stay at Sun Lili's house temporarily.
When Aunt He asked her how long she would stay and when she would return, she didn't give a specific time, only saying that she would talk about it after the divorce procedures were completed.
Aunt He sighed, "I never expected that Lao Li was serious this time and determined to get a divorce."
Not only did Aunt He not expect this, but none of the people in the courtyard anticipated this situation, not even Zhao Sulan.
The neighborhood and alleyways were abuzz with discussion. Amidst the gossip, Aunt Li and Uncle Sun went to the neighborhood office to get their divorce certificate.
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