The Lin Family was left speechless by Zhou Xiaozheng and his wife. They didn’t expect Zhou Xiaozheng to show no courtesy to the old man at all.
"Dad, let’s not bring this up for now. Let’s talk about the main issue first. Besides Xiao Lin’s wedding, is there anything else?" Lin Liyin seized the opportunity to speak.
Mr. Lin came back to his senses, rolled his eyes at her, and said to his wife, "Mother of the children, go on with how we’re separating."
Mrs. Lin, in a disgruntled tone, said, "Aren’t you the one who brought up the separation? You talk about it then. There’s nothing much to separate in this family. From now on, the first and second born will manage their own families, and your father and I don’t need you to support us."
"Hey, you’re just brushing it off like that?" Mr. Lin said, getting agitated.
"Then say what you want to give to the children? Go ahead and distribute it."
Mr. Lin was so angry he wanted to slam the table. He raised his right hand but, seeing the grandchildren below, he let it fall powerlessly.
After a moment, he said seriously, "Not talking about Shanshan’s money. Don’t you think we need to clarify about the eldest’s salary? Xiao Lin is getting married soon, and the eldest’s family still needs this money for preparations!"
Lin Aiguo hurriedly reassured him, "Dad, whatever dowry the child gets for her wedding, just let her take it over, what more money is needed? Doesn’t she already have a watch and a bicycle? What else should we prepare? I’ll have the child’s mother prepare some new bedding; that’s enough. Dingsheng is still young, and the two of us can still earn money. Please don’t be mad, mom’s not in good health."
Mr. Lin said nothing, just kept staring at his wife.
Mrs. Lin looked up, glanced at the seat previously occupied by Zhou Xiaozheng, and inadvertently caught the seemingly amused gaze of her youngest son-in-law. She quickly turned her head, not daring to meet his eyes, and accidentally faced her eldest daughter-in-law Chen Jingru’s angry expression.
She was momentarily stunned and quickly said with a smile, "Why are you so anxious, you old fool? At your age, you still haven’t mellowed out. Since we’re talking about separation, I’ll make sure to compensate the eldest for his money. I’ve got a few things on hand that I won’t rush to give to the children, saving it for the grandchildren’s marriages. The rest you can divide."
Mr. Lin held back his eldest son, nodded at his wife, and said, "Then first return the savings book to the eldest daughter-in-law. I’ll start discussing the separation afterwards."
Mrs. Lin beckoned to Chen Jingru, bringing her into the bedroom. After a while, Chen Jingru came out following her, carrying a cloth bag.
Everyone on site took a look, all knowing it was either gold or jewelry inside. Except for the Lin family’s second daughter-in-law, Jiang Jiangyu, who looked tense. Everyone knew the eldest of the Lin Family ran out of this money long ago, now it could only be offset with these.
"Alright. Apart from your mom’s things, there’s just a few paintings and calligraphy in my study. We won’t split these with you. Is there anything else you want to add?"
Jiang Jiangyu quickly spoke up, "Dad, the child’s wedding depends on you and mom. With just our salaries, we can’t afford a dowry. Do you and mom have any plans?"
"Mom, we’ll arrange things among siblings; it doesn’t have to cost much. Grandpa, if there’s nothing else, shall we start eating?" Lin Dingsheng quickly stood up, pressing his mom down to sit.
Mr. Lin nodded and said, "Let the eldest’s family start serving. Second child’s family, when it comes to the children’s marriages, just do as much as your family situation allows; don’t compare with outsiders."
Li Jianjun saw everyone getting up to help serve dishes. He stood up, dusted off his pants, and said, "I still have to go back to work. You all eat first, if you need help just let the child’s mom know."
"Uncle, aren’t you staying for the meal?"
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