Li Aijun, on the other hand, seemed indifferent. She felt that as long as she had money, it didn't matter where she lived. She had absolutely no interest in studying at home; in any case, she would never join the army—it was too hard.
Seeing that Li Aihong was unhappy, Li's mother also felt that her husband was being somewhat biased. He should treat them equally; allowing the eldest child to come back and stay while refusing the younger one was hurting their feelings.
“Pingping’s coming and going is quite a waste of time.”
Li Ping glanced at her without saying a word, then lowered her head and ate her food.
Li Guoliang smiled and said, "I've already thought it through. I'll buy Pingping a bicycle. It'll be more convenient for her to ride home. She can get up earlier and won't have to worry about being late anymore. What do you think, Pingping?"
“Dad, I have no objection. The school lights go out early, so it's not convenient to study. Coming back to live here will give me more opportunities to study. I want to get ahead in my studies as soon as possible and join the army.”
"Good, that's ambitious." Li Guoliang smiled with satisfaction.
Upon hearing that Li Guoliang was going to buy Li Ping a bicycle, everyone except Li Aidang became restless again.
I bought a watch before, and now I'm buying a bicycle...
Li Aihong's eyes reddened; she felt it was too unfair, wiping away her tears while pursing her lips.
Li's mother said, "Old Li, this will cost a lot of money again. You're spoiling the child too much. Isn't that a bad thing?"
"There's nothing wrong with that. Pingping is so old now, it's good to buy her a bicycle. It can be part of her dowry when she gets married. It's just that she's using it earlier."
"..."
Li Aihong wiped away her tears and said, "Dad, then I'll buy the curtains as part of my dowry in advance."
Upon hearing this, Li Guoliang's expression changed, and he slammed his hand on the table. "You're still a high school student and you're already thinking about getting married. Have you even thought about your studies?"
Li Aijun secretly shrank her neck, thank goodness she hadn't come out. She was even worse than her second sister; if she came out, she would definitely get scolded.
"Dad, you're biased anyway." Li Aihong got up and went into the house angrily.
"It's all over!" Li Guoliang slammed his fist on the table in anger when he saw her leave like that.
Li's mother was also startled and couldn't help but speak up for her daughter, "Old Li, don't be angry. She just feels that this bicycle issue is a bit biased. Why don't we not buy it? We can't let the family's harmony be ruined over a bicycle."
Li Ping looked up at Li Guoliang and said, "Dad, how about we don't buy it? Otherwise, Ai Hong might get upset and throw a tantrum."
"Let her make a scene!" Li Guoliang said firmly. "Do I think I'm afraid she'll be unhappy if I want to buy a car? Who's the father here, me or her?"
Li Ping put a piece of meat on Li Guoliang's plate and said, "Dad, don't be angry."
Li's mother could only eat with her head down. She had relied on her husband her whole life; when he was calm, she was the head of the household. But if he did lose his temper, there was nothing she could do.
After dinner, Li's mother went into the room to see her daughter, Li Aihong, who was lying on the bed crying.
“Honghong, don’t cry. I’ll buy you one when you go to college. Mom will save up money to buy it for you.”
Li Aihong cried even harder, sitting up in bed, "Mom, Dad is biased, he's just biased."
Before Li Ping came, Ai Jun was the eldest daughter in her parents' household. New clothes were always given to her first, then passed on to Ai Jun. Stationery was also given to her first, then passed on to the next generation. Even Ai Jun was given priority.
But now a woman has appeared out there, and she's the first in everything. She's lost everything.
Li's mother hugged her and said, "Your father is used to running the household. Why are you arguing with him? Don't worry, your older sister has it all, and you'll definitely have it too."
"What if I don't get into university?" Li Aihong asked sadly.
"...It's okay. If you don't get into university, you can just go to work at your workplace and find a good family to marry into. No matter how capable a woman is, it's not as good as finding a good husband. Mom only got where she is today because of your dad; otherwise, she would still be back in our hometown."
Hearing this, Li Aihong felt much better. No matter how capable her older sister was, it wouldn't be as good as finding a good husband later.
She must find a good husband in the future.
Li Ping, who was about to go inside to get something, turned around and went back outside.
Find a good family to marry into? She used to believe that, but now she doesn't. Sister Su Yu is right; relying on others for your future is unreliable.
Just like her mother now, when her father loses his temper, she doesn't dare to say a word.
Secondly, Li Guoliang took Li Ping to buy a bicycle. Knowing that the department store was out of stock and difficult to buy, they didn't go to the department store, but instead went to the ordnance factory under the military region to buy a military bicycle directly.
These bicycles were specifically supplied to the families of military officers, and many families in the military region actually had one. However, they were all used by the officers themselves.
People like Li Guoliang, who usually use chauffeured cars, don't need bicycles. So he hadn't paid attention to these things until he needed to buy a bicycle and remembered this benefit.
"Why don't we find someone to teach you? You'll learn to love the Party. This kid often rides other people's bicycles," Li Guoliang said, watching Li Ping push her bicycle.
Li Ping shook her head. "Dad, I can ride a bike. I've practiced on a classmate's bike at school." After Su Yu brought the bike to school, she taught her to ride.
Hearing Li Ping's words, Li Guoliang felt even more guilty. He had always worried that his daughter was being spoiled and going astray. Now he realized that compared to other children, his own child was actually worse off. He had to admit that his views were outdated.
“Pingping, I’ll give you fifteen yuan every month from now on. Buy whatever you want. Don’t always ask the family for money.”
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