"She was shameless enough to cling to Ershun back then because she saw that Guixiang and her husband, along with Ershun, were all good-natured. But when disaster struck, she was afraid of having no one to rely on, and she believed her family's coaxing and followed them without a firm resolve, which led to her current predicament."
Yang Yufen sighed.
"She chose this path herself, but she couldn't stick to it. She was too cowardly. What's the use of regretting it now? When Ershun and his son were injured, she didn't even dare to go to the hospital with them. When it came to raising money to save them, all she could do was cry and say she had no money and couldn't pay back. She didn't even try."
As Cuihua spoke, Yang Yufen truly didn't know these things.
"Changshun is actually doing alright. But his wife is worried about the children in the family. Her family knows that the family has borrowed a lot of money and is afraid that their daughter will suffer, so they are making a fuss about separating the family property. In recent years, Changshun has hardly spoken in the village."
Although the division of the family property was only discussed over two phone calls, once the villagers found out, they inevitably started gossiping, and no elderly person could accept that.
Yang Yufen did not speak.
A man's voice sounded from outside the door.
"Aunt Cuihua, I am Changshun."
Cuihua was taken aback upon hearing this and looked at Yang Yufen.
"Hey, she's in the kitchen."
Cuihua responded, and Changshun walked in somewhat awkwardly.
"Aunt Yang, it's been a long time. Knowing you were back, I brought you a fish."
Changshun stuffed the fish he was carrying into Cuihua's hands.
"Yes, I wanted to ask about your parents. Let's go outside and talk."
Yang Yufen knew that this person had come to see her, so she nodded to Cuihua and then went out.
The two walked to the persimmon tree outside the courtyard, where unripe persimmons hung heavily on the branches.
"Auntie, how are my parents and second brother?"
“It’s good. Your mother set up a stall and works from dawn till dusk to make money. Your father can’t do heavy work. Ershun is like a child now, and he needs someone to take care of him in everything he does.”
"I'm sorry to my parents and Ershun."
Changshun had his head down. He was a country man, his skin tanned dark by the sun, and his canvas shoes were worn out with holes.
"Your parents don't blame you. Just live your own life. They just need to take care of Ershun."
Yang Yufen finally sighed. After all, she had watched her child grow up. It was normal for him to have his own little thoughts now that he was grown up, married, and had his own family. It was just that as someone close to her, it was hard not to feel sad.
“I know that my parents are sending money home to pay off debts, it’s all because I’m useless.”
With several children needing to go to school, Changshun worked tirelessly and even dug a fishpond to raise fish, but the money he earned was still too little. The more he supported his family, the more difficult it became, and he felt guilty yet unable to help.
“Your mother said she’ll come back to see you during the New Year. As for the rest, you can tell your mother then. I’m leaving first thing tomorrow morning.”
Yang Yufen looked at the sky; it wouldn't be long before the people returned from the fields.
"Okay, okay, then I'll head back now."
Seeing Yang Yufen nod, Changshun left with somewhat unsteady steps.
No matter how angry a mother is, seeing her child like this will soften her heart.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
