Jiang Xiuyun was not only responsible toward her own family, but also deeply responsible toward her husband’s family.
It was precisely this sense of responsibility that, in her previous life, forced her to endure silently even after being harmed by them. She was often caught in the middle at her in-laws’ home, suffering grievances from both sides.
“Big Sister, you know our family’s situation. Asking Mom and Dad to take out 800 yuan right now is basically forcing them to borrow money.
You know exactly how things are at home, and you also know how many eyes are watching Dad outside.
If anything goes wrong on Dad’s side, even a small mistake… our whole family could be dragged down with him.”
In those days, being a village head meant standing in a position that countless families envied.
Especially in their village, there had always been rivals who would seize any opportunity to pull his father down.
“Big Sister, it’s not that I don’t want Mom and Dad to help you. But borrowing such a large sum… if this job can’t be secured in the end, wouldn’t our whole family fall into this pit together?”
He paused, then spoke more seriously.
“Big Sister, if there really is such an opportunity, I hope you earn it with your own ability, openly and honestly.
Not like what Brother-in-law Xiao suggested… using these crooked methods.”
It wasn’t that Jiang Lin didn’t want to help her.
In his previous life, something like this had indeed happened. But back then, Xiao Chenghe had only used this matter as an excuse and never actually went to approach anyone.
And even if Xiao Chenghe really tried to bribe someone with money, Jiang Lin knew that the leader in charge of this matter back then was known for being upright and impartial. Anyone who tried to offer gifts or money would end up being punished.
To be precise, this matter wasn’t impossible… but it absolutely couldn’t be handled the way Xiao Chenghe intended.
“Big Sister, Mom and Dad are getting older. I know you’ve sacrificed a lot for this family, but they can’t withstand any turmoil.”
He slowed his voice, choosing his words carefully.
“Big Sister, I hope you fight for this opportunity. But while doing so, you should carefully look into that leader’s character and how they handle things.
If I remember correctly, the leader assigned to handle management at your Supply and Marketing Cooperative this time… doesn’t tolerate any wrongdoing.
Instead of relying on shortcuts, it might be better if you achieve some real results at the cooperative. That way, you can win them over with your ability.”
Jiang Xiuyun’s heart stirred at those words.
Her younger brother was right.
Although her husband had described the opportunity in glowing terms, she knew that some leaders truly worked for the people… and would never tolerate even the slightest impropriety.
She recalled how a previous leader had once dismissed someone from the cooperative just because they had brought him two boxes of pastries.
She really needed to think this through carefully.
“Dalinzi, you’ve really grown up, haven’t you? You can actually analyze things so clearly for your sister now.”
Hearing his words filled Jiang Xiuyun with relief.
In the past, her younger brother had been immature, always causing trouble and leaving the family to clean up after him.
But today, his words made him seem like a completely different person… more like a mature adult.
He had never spoken to her so sincerely before.
A faint warmth rose in her heart.
“Big Sister, I used to be immature. These past few days, I’ve thought things through. I really was a bastard before.
I didn’t do anything right and only became a burden to the family.
But I’ll change. Big Sister, I’ll study hard.”
Hearing this, Jiang Xiuyun was overjoyed.
She was ten years older than Jiang Lin. In this era, the eldest daughter often took on the role of raising her younger siblings. In truth, Jiang Lin had been brought up largely by his sisters.
To him, Jiang Xiuyun wasn’t just a sister… she was more like a second parent.
“You’ve said this to me quite a few times before. I’ll believe it when I see your actions. If you really get into university, your father will probably burn incense to our ancestors out of sheer joy.”
“Dalinzi, you’re not young anymore. I won’t say much else. Just hearing you say this today makes me very happy. As long as you study well from now on, you don’t need to worry about things at home.”
She looked at him, still a little dazed.
“You’re being so good today that I don’t even know what to say. Here… I didn’t bring much money today. Take this 10 yuan and spend it slowly.
And stop spending money on others all the time. Look at you—you’re still growing, yet you’ve become so thin.
There’s no shortage of food at home. Really, you…”
The entire family knew about Jiang Lin and Tang Yue. They had simply given in because they couldn’t change his mind.
But seeing him suffer so much for a woman… as his sister, she couldn’t bear it.
Looking at the 10 yuan stuffed into his hand, Jiang Lin’s face flushed with embarrassment.
Since childhood, his three sisters had never stopped giving him money whenever they saw him.
He truly had lived like someone who relied entirely on others.
Without thinking, he pushed the money back into her hand.
“Big Sister, I’ve grown up now. I’m a man. How can I keep spending my sisters’ money? Wouldn’t that make me someone who lives off others? This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
From now on, don’t give me money anymore.”
Jiang Xiuyun looked at him nervously.
“Dalinzi, what happened to you today? You’re not acting like yourself at all.
Tell me, what’s going on? No matter what it is, you can tell your sister. I’ll help you solve it.
You can’t keep things bottled up. If something really happens to you, do you know it would break Mom and Dad’s hearts?”
“Big Sister, nothing happened. I just suddenly figured things out today.
I used to be too much of a mess. I’m the only son in the family—I should make something of myself.
My sisters and my parents have given so much for me. If I don’t work hard and get into university, how could I face all of you?
I just feel that I should take responsibility as a man.”
Jiang Xiuyun didn’t fully believe him, but seeing how firmly he refused to explain further, she could only suspect that something had happened between him and Tang Yue.
She decided she would slowly figure it out later.
“Big Sister, since you have money on you, let’s use yours to buy Dad’s wine.”
Jiang Xiuyun burst out laughing in exasperation.
“When have I ever let you pay when you’re with me? Come on, let’s go buy a bottle of Erguotou. That’s your father’s favorite.”
Jiang Lin’s eyes grew slightly moist.
His eldest sister probably had never imagined that her husband was a two-faced scoundrel.
But Jiang Lin didn’t know how to tell her. Nothing had happened yet, and he had no evidence. If he said Xiao Chenghe was cheating, how could she possibly believe him?
For now, he needed to find proof.
Without getting the 800 yuan, Xiao Chenghe would definitely stir up more trouble. Jiang Lin didn’t believe he could hide his true nature forever.
“Big Sister, you’re about to give birth. You need to take care of your body… and don’t overwork yourself.”
Jiang Lin couldn’t help but worry.
In his previous life, Jiang Xiuyun’s child had been born prematurely.
She had suffered severe bleeding… and nearly lost her life.
Now, Jiang Lin even suspected that the premature birth might have had something to do with Xiao Chenghe.
If not for timely rescue, his sister would have died… and Xiao Chenghe could have easily brought his mistress into the house without obstacle.