Chapter 31: Eldest Aunt
  "Wow, those shoes Qingqing is wearing are so pretty! They're made of cowhide. They must have cost a lot of money, right? It seems my second brother's family made a lot of money this year, but I don't see them giving more to Mom..."

  Everyone was in the midst of greeting each other when this comment suddenly broke the mood. Fang's parents were somewhat bewildered, and the old lady looked uneasy. But remembering it was New Year's Day, she didn't lose her temper. She simply glanced at her eldest daughter- in-law.

  "Hui Zheng, go to the kitchen and see if they've cooked the dumplings. After dinner, have the children go visit their neighbors and wish them a happy new year..."

  The eldest aunt was about to continue, but a look from the old lady forced her to shut up and retreat into the kitchen.

  The morning's incident was put to rest. After lunch, the family, exhausted from their busy schedule, retired to their respective rooms early to rest.

  Unexpectedly, when the eldest aunt returned the next day, she brought up the matter again. Her implication was clear: the second brother's family had earned money but hadn't given it to Mother.

  At this time, the Fang family hadn't officially split up. Although several branches had moved out, many important matters still had to be reported to the old lady for decision-making. Furthermore, each branch's monthly income had to be handed over proportionally to the old lady as her pension.

  Yet, the second branch, once the poorest, was now willing to buy new leather shoes for her children. Aunt Wang Huizheng would never believe her family didn't have any hidden treasures.

  "Sister-in-law, I didn't want to say this, but Mother is still alive, and the family hasn't been divided. This rule can't be broken, and don't blame me for being so picky."

  Because Fang's mother didn't have a job, she was always looked down upon by the old lady and the first branch, so she had no say in the family. Now that her sister-in-law was making trouble, she could only explain with a humble attitude.

  "Sister-in-law is right, the rules cannot be broken. But we really didn't hide any money. I have kept the salary slips of Decai and Daming every month. If you don't believe me, I can show it to you."

  Wang Huizheng covered his mouth and laughed, "Second brother-in-law, you are being too formal. If you made money, I would only be happy for you. But mom only gives you such a little living expenses, which is a bit unreasonable..."

  Old Mrs. Fang sat at the top and watched the two daughters-in-law bickering with a gloomy face. Although she didn't say anything, her dissatisfaction could be seen.

  Fang Qing felt very uncomfortable seeing his mother being bullied. Just as he was about to step forward to explain, he was stopped by his uncle behind him. Then his uncle Fang Deli stepped forward and said, "Sister-in-law, why are you always staring at my second brother's family? Even if there is really a problem with my second brother and sister-in-law, it is my mother who should be worried. You are so proactive... Tsk tsk, can you still get a share of the money?"

  The eldest aunt was so angry at her uncle's words that the flesh on her face was shaking. However, her uncle was the apple of her mother-in-law's eye. She didn't dare to offend him easily, nor did she dare to make a big noise. In the end, she had to shut up in disappointment.

  Seeing this, Fang Deli nonchalantly pointed at Fang Qing's shoes. "I bought those leather shoes for Qing. I earned some money working this time, so it's okay to bring a pair of shoes for my niece, right?"

  But Fang Cuiping, the eldest aunt sitting next to the old lady, was a little unhappy. "Deli, Mimi is your niece too. Why didn't you mention bringing a gift for my Mimi? Your favoritism is a bit too obvious, isn't it?"

  Fang Qing looked up at her cousin Li Lemi, who was standing next to her grandmother. Seeing her sister, who had been smiling, now staring at her shoes, she immediately regretted wearing them today.

  Sister Mimi was a few years older than her and currently studying at the Provincial Medical College. Not only was she beautiful, she was also very good at managing relationships, making her a popular figure wherever she went. Unlike herself, who had been timid since childhood and had always been reluctant to go out, she had always been somewhat resistant to meeting strangers. When outsiders mentioned the Fang sisters, everyone only praised Mimi, and few knew her.

  And Mimi's greatest pride had always been her appearance. She hadn't noticed it when she was little, but now that she was older, Sister Mimi's eyes always shone with a sense of war. Even Fang Qing, even if she was slow-witted, understood why.

  So, whenever she was with Sister Mimi, she tried to dress as down-to-earth as possible, just to dispel any unpleasantness between the sisters.

  But today, she had forgotten her new shoes...

  The atmosphere in the room suddenly felt strange. Fang Qing couldn't help but step back, wanting to go back inside to change her shoes, but her uncle calmly stood in front of her.

  "Hey, big sister, I dare not show off my skills in front of you. Big brother-in-law owns a factory. You have seen all kinds of good things in your family. Why do you need my little things? Besides, you guys don't come home for a long time. How would I know what size Mimi wears..."

  Seeing that the brother and sister were about to quarrel, the old lady finally coughed twice, "Alright, alright, it's just a pair of shoes. Why are you making such a fuss? Lao Wu, I'll give your niece a big red envelope later. Mimi doesn't come home often, but as her uncle, you can't be without things for us!"

  Uncle Fang Deli quickly agreed, ran over to rub the old lady's shoulders and tell jokes, and the atmosphere at home finally eased.

  After dinner, Li Lemi took Fang Qing out for a walk. She took a special look at the leather shoes on Fang Qing's feet and smiled meaningfully, "I've seen these shoes before, but they're from last year. I have a pair that's similar. I've worn them twice, but I've grown taller now, and they're too small for me. I'll let you wear them!"

  Fang Qing tried to maintain a smile and politely declined. While it's customary these days for younger sisters to wear their older sisters' hand-me-downs, it depends on who's wearing them.

  Fang Qing still felt a little uncomfortable with the self-righteous air of almsgiver on Sister Mimi's face. She could only calmly change the subject, alternately praising her sister's beautiful clothes and her skin. The two sisters finally regained their intimacy.

  After the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the New Year's Eve came to an end. In previous years, each family would have returned to their own homes long ago, but this year, her eldest aunt's family, who rarely stayed in the old house for long, unexpectedly extended their stay for two extra days.

  That evening, Fang Qing got up to get some water and unexpectedly spotted her eldest aunt sneaking into her grandmother's room. Her instincts told her that something was up, so she quietly followed.

  From inside, her eldest aunt's voice rang out clearly.

  "Mom, do you have any money? Lend me some. I need it urgently. I'll pay you back in a few days!"

  Fang Qing, standing outside, was stunned. Her eldest aunt's family was the wealthiest of the families. Why would she suddenly ask her grandmother for money?

  Grandma Fang was surprised but didn't hesitate. "Borrow money? How much?"

  "Ten thousand."

  The teacup on the table in the room fell over. After a flurry of activity, Grandma's voice finally changed.

  "Cui Ping, what...what do you need so much money for? Besides, I'm an old woman, how can I have that much?"

  The eldest aunt's tone was clearly disappointed. "Well, five thousand, you should have five thousand, right?"

  The room was quiet for a while, and Grandma Fang finally sighed. "Ping, tell me the truth, is there something wrong with Shoucai's factory?"

  (End of this chapter)