This was not the first time that Han Shu had opposed them. Father and Mother Han had noticed that this son was growing increasingly disobedient. He often contradicted them for no reason.

Mother Han said angrily, “Han Shu, what’s the matter with you recently? You’re getting out of hand. You contradict everything I say. Do you have any respect for your mother? Your younger brother is so young. He’s the future of the Han family. As his elder brother, of course you must help him. You…”

“Haven’t I helped him?” Han Shu retorted. “For years, Little Qin and I have done all the work in and around the house. What have you done since you gave birth to Chuanzong? Since you think that Chuanzong is the family’s future, then you shouldn’t rely on me.

“You’ve retired at such a young age, and I carry all the household burdens alone. So what if I buy clothes for my daughter? It’s all right to buy clothes for my younger brother, but not for my daughter?”

Recently, Han Shu had grown increasingly contemptuous of his lazy parents. After he left home, he had seen how the lives of some other families out there had improved.

Every family member contributed to the family. Even elderly grandmothers thought of ways to sell small items to contribute to the household expenses. They wanted their grandchildren to attend university so that the family would have hope.

But as villagers, they were already poor, yet his parents had retired and were a burden to the household.

Han Shu really detested that.

He wanted a better life. He wanted to buy his own house in the city. He wanted his wife and child to have a better life and for his brother to attend university, but his parents’ attitude brought him only despair. He could not spoil them, or the family would be destroyed in the long run.

Father Han angrily smacked the table hard. “Han Shu, are you rebelling? How dare you talk to your mother like that?”

“I’m the pillar of support in the family. What do you mean by rebel? I’m just saying a few words. Can’t I do even that?”

Father Han fumed, “Little Yu is a girl. She’s useless. Buying anything for her is a waste.”

“Since you think daughters are useless and girls are useless, Little Qin is a girl too. Since girls are useless, you won’t get a single cent from Little Qin in the future.

“Jing Jing is a girl too. Don’t think of getting a villa out of her. She’s a useless creature. Quick, kick her out of the family! Don’t let her stay here.”

“You…” Mother Han leapt to her feet in anger. “She’s my daughter. I raised her. Why should I give her to someone else for nothing? You… you’ve rebelled! You think you’re so great just because you earned a little money? You come back now. You are not permitted to go out and work.”

Han Shu did not speak. He ignored her.

“Did you hear me?”

“Of course, I must go to work. Otherwise, I can’t afford to support Chuanzong.”

“You…” Mother Han was stunned.

Han Jing said helplessly, “Mother, it’s the New Year. Why make things difficult for Elder Brother? Elder Brother and Sister-in-law have been working and earning money. Now that they are finally back, can’t you speak to them nicely?”

“Yu’er is our family’s child and Elder Brother’s only daughter. So what if he buys her some clothes? Do you need to make a mountain out of a molehill?”

Mother Han was furious that the two children were not taking her side. “You shut up. It was your lousy idea to let your elder brother and sister-in-law go out to work. Look at the state the house is in.

“There’s no one to tidy the kitchen or wash the clothes. There’s so much work to do in and around the house. Should your father and I have to wait on you at our age?”