CHAPTER 694: CHAPTER 687: STIRRING UP TROUBLE

Causing Trouble

The Old Man stopped playing chess, asked Du Du to put away the pieces, and then inquired, "What’s the matter? Ah Nan, tell me in detail."

Sisi had no choice but to explain Tang Qiubai’s situation in detail. The Old Man and Granny Zhao listened with deep sighs.

"I remember Qiubai is a year younger than Xinhua, right? So this year he’s only thirty-five. How did he end up with this illness?" Granny Zhao said regretfully.

The Old Man also felt uncomfortable in his heart. Although his impression of Tang Qiubai had worsened before, he was after all the beloved grandson of an old comrade-in-arms. Moreover, before Old Tang passed away, he had asked him and Old Zhang to look after this grandson, to ensure he didn’t go astray.

But now the issue isn’t about going astray. It’s uncertain if he even has life left.

At this time, cancer was as terrifying to the Chinese people as King Yanluo. If someone was diagnosed with cancer, it was akin to a death sentence, and they were believed to be doomed!

That’s why when the Old Man and Granny Zhao heard that Tang Qiubai had contracted such an incurable disease, their sympathy for the younger generation far exceeded any previous dislike. Furthermore, Sisi didn’t want the elders to worry, so she didn’t fully divulge Tang Qiubai’s misdeeds. Thus, in the hearts of the elders, Tang Qiubai was merely a younger member who had accidentally strayed off path, someone potentially redeemable, especially since this youth was now struck by an incurable illness. How pitiful!

"Ah Nan, did Anping mention how long Qiubai has left to live?" Granny Zhao asked heartbrokenly.

Sisi couldn’t help but find it amusing; no wonder Granny was so upset, thinking Tang Qiubai was at death’s door.

"Granny, Tang Qiubai isn’t going to die. An Ping introduced him to his mentor in Country U. The success rate of the surgery is quite high," Sisi said.

Granny Zhao and the Old Man were skeptical, thinking Sisi was deceiving them. Hence, Sisi called Zhong Anping, allowing him to explain directly to the two elders, which finally reassured them, bringing smiles back to their faces.

Sisi breathed a sigh of relief, having managed to get through it. Yet unexpectedly, Granny Zhao said, "Ah Nan, accompany me to visit Tang Qiubai tomorrow and bring some nutritional supplements over. Today I saw how emaciated this child is, it’s really upsetting to see."

Sisi truly didn’t want to go; in this life, she finally had nothing to do with Tang Qiubai, this scumbag. Why should she throw herself into this mess?

From Sisi’s expression, the Old Man knew she didn’t want to go and felt curious. Ah Nan had always had a good temperament since childhood and had never clashed with others, yet why couldn’t she get along with Qiubai?

"Ah Nan, despite Qiubai’s wrongdoings, he has lived in our family for many years. Plus, for the face of your Grandpa Tang, it makes sense to visit him. Just in case...we won’t harbor regrets," the Old Man advised.

Seeing the Old Man’s full head of white hair, Sisi swallowed her initial refusal. Well, she might as well go, to spare the elders from any distress.

Before Granny Zhao could speak, Sisi took a jar of Qiong Wine herself, thinking of it as a favor to let Tang Qiubai live a few more years.

Granny Zhao and the Old Man exchanged amused glances. This Ah Nan spoke sternly, yet her heart was always the softest. (Sisi felt embarrassed—wasn’t this to save them from speaking?)

Tang Qiubai’s house wasn’t far from the Old Man’s place. It was a three-entrance courtyard house similar in size to the Old Man’s. Initially, when Tang Qiubai just got married, he lived in the big yard. It was Zhang Mingliu who persuaded Tang Tieshan to buy a house outside to leave some estate for his descendants. So, Tang Tieshan bought this small courtyard near the Old Man’s house, reportedly with Tang Qiubai’s own money.

It’s fortunate to have this house, as it allowed Tang Qiubai and Song Mengshi to have a place to settle in the Capital City. The house in the big yard was reclaimed after Tang Tieshan’s death.

The Old Man said Tang Tieshan left a will giving all his assets to Tang Qiubai, which included some savings and this house. For this house, Tang Tieshan’s other two sons fought fiercely with Tang Qiubai, nearly going to court. It was the intervention of the Old Man and Zhang Mingliu that calmed them down.

It turns out Tang Qiubai is indeed an ingrate. Ignoring other favors, he should be grateful to the Old Man and Zhang Mingliu for this reason alone. Yet, this guy never mentioned it, rarely visiting even during the holidays, leaving one speechless.

The Old Man didn’t go; he stayed home with the two little ones. Granny Zhao grabbed a hen she raised herself, took some nutritional supplements, and headed out with Sisi.

Sisi didn’t drive. It’s just a few steps away, a short ten-minute walk. She placed the gifts in Granny Zhao’s shopping cart and supported her as they walked slowly.

Just as they reached the entrance of Tang Qiubai’s house, they heard a commotion. Many people were gathered around the door, craning their necks.

Hearing the noise gave Sisi a headache. Why is nowhere peaceful?

She considered sending Granny Zhao home and visiting once the storm had subsided. But hearing the argument put Granny in high spirits; she let go of Sisi’s hand and strode forward boldly.

Sisi was stunned for a moment, quickly wheeled the cart, and jogged to catch up. What was wrong with this Granny? Why was she so excited about someone else’s family quarrels?

In the courtyard of the Tang Family, a woman’s shrill voice was grating and unbearable: "Qiubai, don’t be too greedy. You occupy such a large house alone. How many people are in your family? From my point of view, living in one section is enough. The remaining two sections are just right for my family, Dong Bai and Libai’s families."

Though the woman had aged considerably, her protractor-like figure and sharp voice left a deep impression on Sisi. Isn’t that Tang Tieshan’s most ill-hearted second daughter-in-law!

According to the Old Man, when Tang Tieshan died, this second daughter-in-law had fought the fiercest, claiming the house was left for her family by the Old Man.

Who knew that after two years, this woman would cause trouble again!

Tang Qiubai coldly stared at these relatives who were like leeches. "Xu Suqiu, this house was bought for my grandfather to live out his retirement. It’s my house. Why should I let your son live here? Huh, even if I let a beggar off the street live here, I wouldn’t let your family move in, so as not to dirty my house."

Before Xu Suqiu could respond, a middle-aged woman in her forties beside her wasn’t having it. "Ah yo, Tang Qiubai, you’re still a college student, yet you have no respect for your elders and dare to call them by name. Surely, you’re inviting divine punishment!"

Tang Qiubai impatiently said, "Don’t perform your drama in my house. What elders? Who do you think you are? I’m telling you for the last time: this house is mine, Tang Qiubai’s, and has nothing to do with you. Stop daydreaming. Instead of causing trouble here, why not encourage the men in your family to make progress, so you won’t end up begging!"

Xu Suqiu’s face dramatically shifted. Her two sons had recently been laid off, and although their daughters-in-law hadn’t been, the company’s efficiency was poor, and salaries were only partially paid, often delayed. Were it not for her and the old man’s monthly pensions propping things up, the whole family would be living off the wind.