Reborn in the 80s: My Whole Family Secretly Hears My Thoughts and Goes Wild with Success! - Chapter 60

“We’re family—why bother with prices?” Yue Mingde waved his hand. “Just take them.”

“Big brother, if you say that, I won’t take a single one.”

Shen Zhiqiu pulled ten yuan from her pocket and placed it on the table. “Let’s settle it at this, then.”

“That’s way too much!”

Knowing Shen Zhiqiu’s stubbornness, Yue Mingde reluctantly gave her the wholesale price—and deliberately “forgot” to charge her for a few items.

When he tried to hand back the change, Shen Zhiqiu shook her empty hands. “Look at me—I came empty-handed. Since you’ve moved, I should’ve brought a housewarming gift.”

“Separate accounts. Next time, just bring a watermelon.”

As they argued, Li Yan pushed through the door curtain. “Oh, quite the lively scene.”

“Sister-in-law.” Shen Zhiqiu greeted her.

Li Yan’s expression darkened when she saw Shen Zhiqiu alone. “What a rare guest. Where’s Mingyuan? How could he let you wander the streets alone?”

“Mingyuan’s returned to base.”

Sensing Li Yan had matters to discuss with Yue Mingde, Shen Zhiqiu packed the hair accessories into her bag and stood to leave. “Big brother, I’ll head out first.”

“Take the change.” Yue Mingde held out the money.

With no choice, Shen Zhiqiu accepted it, then turned to wave at Yue Youxin and Yue Youhui. “Xiao Xin, Xiao Hui, goodbye.”

“Auntie, goodbye!”

The boys stood at the door, watching until Shen Zhiqiu disappeared from the courtyard. Their attentiveness stoked Li Yan’s resentment. She smacked each on the back of the head.

“Never this affectionate when I visit, but you’ll glue your eyes to some outsider, huh?”

She glared in Shen Zhiqiu’s direction and spat, “That fox spirit—even corrupting children!”

“Watch your mouth!” Yue Mingde warned.

“Where’s the lie? She is a fox spirit!”

Li Yan marched up to Yue Mingde and shoved him hard. “Why didn’t you tell me you transferred the kids’ schools? Today someone asked me, and I looked like a fool! Everyone was laughing at me!”

“The divorce agreement gave me custody. I don’t need your permission—and you’d only argue.” Still, he explained: “This school’s closer. Easier for them.”

“That rundown Hualeng Elementary can’t compare to Wenxuan! You’re ruining them!”

“I don’t care. His grades wouldn’t change anywhere.” Yue Mingde pointed at Yue Youxin, then Yue Youhui. “But Youhui needs to transfer back!”

“Impossible.”

“Yue Mingde, they’re not just your children! If you keep this up, I’ll sue for Youhui’s custody!”

Yue Mingde set down his tools and fixed her with a cold stare. “Go ahead. The moment you do, I’ll report Li Zhigang and Li Zhiqiang to the police.”

“And you’ll return the house and money—with interest.”

He hated speaking to her this way, but it was the only language she understood.

“Yue Mingde, you’re bullying me!”

Tears of fury brimmed in Li Yan’s eyes as she whirled on the boys. “You heartless brats just stand there? Don’t you see how your father treats me?”

“I don’t want to transfer.” Yue Youhui met her gaze. “Hualeng is fine.”

“Youhui! Since when did you become such hopeless trash?”

She jabbed a finger at each of them. “Fine! The three of you against me—I’m the outsider now, huh?”

“Should’ve known better than to bother! Rot here for all I care!”

“Follow your beggar father into the gutters! If I ever waste breath on you again, I’ll renounce my family name!”

As Li Yan stormed off, the boys exchanged worried glances. “Dad… is Mom okay?”

“When is she ever not okay? Mark my words—she’ll bring this up again.”

Yue Mingde sighed inwardly. Li Yan never quit until she got her way.

This was far from over.

Meanwhile, Li Yan seethed all the way home, her anger a tangled knot in her chest.

“That bitch—!”

As she approached the school gates, Wang Fengqin intercepted her. “Zhiqiu’s sister-in-law!”

Fanning Li Yan with her hand fan, Wang Fengqin cooed, “What’s got you so upset? Did my Zhiqiu offend you?”

Li Yan stepped back, distancing herself with a frown. “Why are you here? Looking for me?”

“I pickled some chili vegetables—brought you a jar to try.”

Wang Fengqin produced a jar from her basket and pressed it into Li Yan’s resisting hands. “It’s nothing fancy—just take it.”

“Auntie, let’s skip the act. What do you want?” Li Yan’s tone softened slightly.

“I just… wanted to ask how Zhiqiu and Ya-Ya are doing.”

Dabbing at dry eyes, Wang Fengqin sighed. “She hasn’t come home since the hospital. Won’t answer our calls. Her father and I are worried sick.”

“What? That’s how Shen Zhiqiu treats you?”

Li Yan’s reaction confirmed Wang Fengqin’s hunch—this woman hadn’t heard the full story. Perfect for her plan.

“At the hospital, she quarreled with her sister and took it out on us. But even anger has its limits! Are we enemies now? Does she mean to cut ties forever?”

“Her father’s fallen ill. We’d visit, but how are common folk like us supposed to enter a military compound?”

Clutching Li Yan’s hand, Wang Fengqin turned on the tears. “Forgive this old woman for troubling you. I’ve nowhere else to turn.”

“You’re a good daughter—loyal to your family. Not like my foolish Zhiqiu.”

The flattery hit its mark. Li Yan’s posture relaxed.

“Auntie, what do you need?”

“Could you… give this to Ya-Ya for us?”

From her pocket, Wang Fengqin produced a small embroidered pouch.

“It’s a protection charm. Her father and I prayed for it.”