Chapter 68 That's all you've got!
"Brother, you're being foolish!"
Huo's cousin was named Dong Lihua. Her mother and Mr. Huo were siblings from the same mother.
He was sitting there peacefully, but when he heard his father say that the family was going to split up, he immediately became agitated.
"Everyone says that you shouldn't separate the family while your parents are still alive, but you two have to separate the family right after your third son and his wife got married."
"Anyone who doesn't know the situation would think it was the third son's new wife who instigated it."
"And the eldest sister-in-law is really something. These days, which family doesn't set rules for their daughter-in-law when she enters the family?"
As the old saying goes, a new bride is like a donkey; if you don't put pressure on her back for three days, she'll kick up her heels.
"If your sister-in-law spoils her like this, she'll develop bad habits sooner or later."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Huo gave her a cold look, to some extent.
He and Huo Tingzhou are like father and son, both being somewhat ruthless when it comes to criticizing others.
"Shut up! You never keep your mouth shut. Even if others don't treat you like a human being, you should at least treat yourself like one."
Dong Lihua pouted: "Brother, we're talking about the third brother's wife right now, why are you dragging me into this?"
"Why aren't you a woman? Haven't you ever been someone's new bride?"
Mr. Huo sneered, "You should mind your own business and not meddle in other people's affairs. If I hear any rumors outside, you'll be the first one I come looking for!"
Being scolded by her cousin in front of a group of younger relatives, Dong Lihua's face immediately turned ugly.
"Brother, how could you do this? I was just worried."
"No need, the people living in this compound aren't as free as you."
This was quite a blunt remark, and Dong Lihua was still reeling from it.
Mr. Huo pressed further, "It's not a holiday or anything, why aren't you working properly in Langshi? What are you doing in Beijing?"
Although Mr. Huo asked Dong Lihua these questions, his eyes were actually fixed on Huo Tingtao.
Seeing the unfriendly look in Huo's father's eyes, Dong Lihua immediately stood up for her son.
"Brother, what do you mean? Can't I come back to visit even though I have nothing to do?"
"And don't accuse Tingtao so easily. I was the one who made the call, and he didn't say anything."
It was precisely because he didn't say anything that Dong Lihua became anxious.
Mr. Huo didn't say anything more. He finally understood why his wife had said that the Huo family's roots were rotten.
"That's enough, there's no point in saying more," Mr. Huo said, getting up abruptly.
"I have other matters to attend to at my military region, so I won't be back for the next few days."
Dong Lihua wanted to plead on Huo's behalf, but seeing his father's grim face, she felt a little apprehensive.
She dared not say it, but Mr. Huo was not the kind of person who made things complicated.
"I don't care who called you here, or what you're here for."
"In short, I can't and won't interfere in my eldest brother's father-in-law's affairs!"
After speaking, Huo's father gave Huo Tingtao a cold look.
"The Huo family is where it is today thanks to the hard work and bloodshed of several generations."
"With just a casual remark, you think you can use the merits earned by the Huo family with their lives to clean up the Su family's mess? Where do you get the nerve?"
"Dad, I didn't mean that, I just—"
Seeing that he was still trying to defend himself at this point, Mr. Huo shook his head in disappointment.
"Huo Tingtao, that's all you've got!"
After saying this, Mr. Huo turned and left.
As soon as he left, the people from the other rooms also made excuses to return to their own rooms.
Before coming, Huo Tingtao didn't say much on the phone, only vaguely mentioning that something had happened to the Su family.
Dong Lihua didn't think much of it at the time.
But from what her older brother said just now, it seemed that the Su family had committed a rather serious offense this time, otherwise he wouldn't have been so resolute.
"Tingtao, come with me for a moment."
After the two returned to their room, Dong Lihua asked directly, "Tell your aunt the truth, what's the situation with your in-laws?"
Now that things have come to this point, Huo Tingtao has nothing left to hide.
After explaining the situation, he said, "Auntie, what should I do now?"
Upon hearing this, Dong Lihua's face instantly darkened: "When you wanted to marry her, I told you that her family background and education were not good enough for you."
"You wouldn't listen, now look what happened."
"Your parents' hearts were already biased towards the other families."
"Now that your in-laws have gotten into this mess, what future do you have in the municipal government?"
“This municipal government department is different from others, especially since you are at this age, neither here nor there.”
"If you don't take advantage of these next few years to get promoted to a full-fledged department head, you'll only be able to sit on the sidelines in some lowly department later on."
"Aunt, I know all that you're saying." Otherwise, he wouldn't be in such a hurry.
"What's the use of knowing? In the end, it's just that you're too soft-hearted and too sentimental."
Since it was just the two of them in the room, Dong Lihua didn't try to hide anything.
"Didn't you just say that Shanshan is trying to get a divorce from you? In my opinion, you should just divorce her."
"You're still young. Once you climb to the rank of director, you won't be unable to find any girl you want."
"As for the child, don't worry about it. She's just using the child to blackmail you."
"In the years since she married into the Huo family, she has either been giving birth or losing children."
"Her job at the hospital only pays about thirty yuan a month, what can that do for her?"
At this point, Dong Lihua couldn't help but let out a soft snort.
"Don't forget, she has a younger brother. How can her family agree to her taking three children back to her parents' home at once?"
"So, take your aunt's advice and get a divorce as soon as possible."
There is another very important reason why Dong Lihua is in such a hurry.
She grew up in the Huo family and knew her father's temper very well.
Don't be fooled by the fact that my older brother didn't hit or scold Tingtao today.
But she knew very well that the more her brother acted this way, the angrier he was.
Right now, the power in the Huo family is still in the hands of the eldest sister-in-law. Tingtao has nothing but his in-laws who are holding him back.
If the father and son fall out because of this, Tingtao will be the one who suffers.
But Huo Tingtao had his own ideas: "Aunt, this marriage cannot be dissolved."
"Why?" Dong Lihua asked, puzzled.
Huo Tingtao remained silent for a while before revealing his true thoughts.
In fact, he pleaded on behalf of his father-in-law's family partly because he was worried that his own political background check would be affected.
On the other hand, he also knew that his parents and grandparents were all sentimental people.
If something happens to his father-in-law's family, and he cuts ties with them without saying a word, that would be too heartless and ungrateful.
Similarly, if he agrees to a divorce at this point.
His parents will only be completely disappointed in him.
"What you said does make some sense, but if you don't get a divorce, it will be difficult for you to advance your career. Are you willing to accept that?"
Huo Tingtao was naturally unwilling, but he understood the principle that one cannot have both fish and bear's paw.
Since they can't get promoted, the Huo family's assets, connections, and unseen benefits shouldn't be given to the other branches of the family.
"Auntie, I'll have to trouble you to stay here a few more days, otherwise when it comes time to divide the family property..."
"Why are you being so polite with me, child?"
Dong Lihua waved her hand, not allowing him to be so formal.
"Don't worry, as long as I'm here, no one can take away what belongs to you."
She couldn't guarantee anything else, but she'd take care of this.
Because the Huo family owes her all of this!
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