Xiao Cui and Qi Zhijun were both stunned. Qi's mother was about to kick them out. Xiao Cui said incredulously, "Mom, are you kidding me? Who asks their son and daughter-in-law for rent, and now they want to charge you for the housekeeper...?"
Qi's mother snorted, "What do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do I owe you'? You say there's no mother-in-law who asks her daughter-in-law or son for rent, but is there any daughter-in-law or son who bosses around their mother-in-law? You have to calculate every penny I spend, so am I supposed to be your slave? What are you anyway! If you've added to our family line, even if you just laid an egg, I'd give you some leeway for the sake of the child. But what have you done all these years since you married into our family? We don't care about the shady things you did in the past, but don't forget, you're still labeled a rightist. I don't understand where you get the right to be so arrogant."
Xiao Cui was trembling with anger, and Qi Zhijun quickly stood up to smooth things over, "Oh dear! Too many words hurt people, too many things upset people. Why do you have to do this? It's the New Year, and you've made everyone uncomfortable!"
Mother Qi sat down, tilted her head slightly, and said with a forced smile, "It's you who's uncomfortable! So you know you shouldn't feel uncomfortable during the New Year? Then why don't you consider how you've been making us uncomfortable all this time? As if we owe you something!"
Then, looking coldly at Xiao Cui, whose eyes were brimming with tears and who looked so pitiful, Qi's mother felt a surge of satisfaction. "Now do you realize your place? Do you know what you are? You should know that Wei Shuqing was a virgin back then, earning only 38 yuan a month. After marrying into our family, she had to hand over 36 yuan every month, and she even gave birth to a son. She's still the dragon coiled up, and the tiger has to lie down before her! You think you can cause any trouble with me? Let me tell you, you're not qualified!"
Turning to look at Qi Zhijun, she said, "What do you think? Are you going to give me the money back, or will you two live on your own? It's okay if you can't figure it out. Go out and think it through before you come back and talk to me."
At this point, Xiao Cui couldn't hold back anymore. With tears streaming down her face, she said heartbrokenly, "So you don't want to take care of your parents in your old age, and you don't want your son either! You just want to live with your daughter and grandson, right? Qi Zhijun, you abandoned your wife and children back then, and they caused you to be separated from your family. Now you want to separate from me for their sake too?"
Mother Qi sneered, "Stop your useless tears. You don't even deserve to be compared to Wei Shuqing. Wei Shuqing is a true member of the working class. And you? What is your status? Even if you look like an angel, look around now, which family would let someone like you swagger around at home? Everyone keeps a clear line between themselves and the family. You've had a couple of good days and you've gotten carried away, forgetting your place."
Qi Zhijun said with a headache, "Mom, what you said is too hurtful! What bad intentions does Xiao Cui have? She just wants to save some money for the family so it will be useful in the future. It's not for her own benefit. Why are you making such a fuss? If you don't want him to manage the household or keep these money notes, we'll just hand them over. Xiao Cui, give the money notes to Mom."
Xiao Cui wiped away her tears and said firmly, "I won't pay. Why should I? Mom, tell me honestly, is it really because you feel it's unfair of me to manage the money that you're asking us for money? No way! Can you swear to God? Others may look down on me, but you have no right to! At least I act with integrity and have a clear conscience! There are people in the family with even worse reputations than me, and they still live a fulfilling life. Why should I feel inferior?"
Qi Zhijun, with a headache, yelled, "Stop arguing!" Suppressing his anger, he took a bowl and filled it with food for Wang Dong and Wang Hong, then gave them four flatbreads, saying, "You two go back and eat first. We'll go and take care of something!"
Seeing that Wang Dong wouldn't take it, she forced it into his hand, pushed him out, and then glared at Qi Zhifang, "What exactly happened? Fangzi, you tell me."
Qi Zhifang pursed her lips but kept her head down. Qi Zhijun angrily slammed her fist on the table a few times. "What exactly do you want? How long has it been since things got peaceful? Can't you just live a normal life? You argue and argue over this every day. No matter how righteous you sound, in the end, isn't it all about food and drink? Where did your former high-mindedness go?"
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