"Hmph, Cousin lied to us, saying he knew someone in court who could help. Mom mortgaged the house and borrowed money from the villagers for him to 'network.' Who knew, I accidentally overheard someone say Cousin took our money to eat, drink, and have fun!"
"Later, Mom and I confronted him, and he and Uncle scolded us. What kind of relatives are these? Swindling money and property, utterly shameless!"
When Du Fei asked, Du Yunyun poured out the whole story.
Being deceived by family ties, she found it emotionally unacceptable.
"Yunyun, Uncle is your elder after all. How can you speak of him like that!"
"Xiao Fei, don't listen to your sister. It's fine that the house is gone. As long as you're back, that's all that matters. Our family staying healthy and well is more important than anything."
Wu Chunmei glared at Du Yunyun, then held Du Fei's hand and said.
Wu Chunmei's mind was still vivid with the scene of Du Fei's mighty display, leaving Du Dabao and his group half-dead. She didn't know how her son, who never fought and was always gentle, had become so powerful.
But as a mother, Wu Chunmei didn't want Du Fei to clash with his uncle's family over the house and money. If arguments or even fights broke out, it would be troublesome.
Her son, having just been released from prison, absolutely could not afford to stir up any more trouble.
As long as her son was healthy and by her side, the lost money could be earned again if she worked harder.
Wu Chunmei, who had never even left the village in her life, had simple and straightforward thoughts.
Du Fei saw through his mother's thoughts at a glance. "Mom, don't worry. Since I've been released, I won't do anything that will make you anxious. From now on, I will be a good son and take care of my sister."
"Good, good. Mom believes you. Mom knows you've always been a good son. I believe your father in the afterlife... he, he will definitely be proud."
"Wuwuwu."
Seeing her son so sensible, Wu Chunmei felt joy from the bottom of her heart.
It was a pity her husband could no longer see this scene.
Du Yunyun, standing nearby, also felt a pang of sorrow, her eyes red.
Although Du Fei did not cry, the thought of their family reunion missing their father also made him feel a bit sad.
"Oh right, little sister, it's school time. Why aren't you in class?"
To stop his mother and sister from continuing to grieve, Du Fei changed the subject.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Du Fei asked, Du Yunyun's already red eyes started to stream with tears uncontrollably.
"What's wrong? What's wrong? Little sister, tell me what's bothering you. Why are you crying?"
Facing scoundrels like Du Dabao, Du Fei could crush them with one hand, but when faced with his crying sister, he was somewhat helpless.
He hadn't asked anything out of the ordinary, just why she wasn't in school. Why was she crying so hard?
"Daughter, don't cry. When you cry, my heart aches. It's my fault, I've failed you."
Wu Chunmei hugged Du Yunyun, her voice choked with sobs as she repeatedly apologized.
Du Yunyun hugged her mother back, shaking her head vigorously. "Mom, how can this be your fault? I know the family is in a difficult situation right now. If I don't go to school, I don't go to school. So many people my age in the village have gone out to work. If they can, I can too."
It turned out that over the past two years, the family had incurred a lot of debt due to Du Fei's affairs. Du Yunyun had voluntarily dropped out of school because she couldn't afford tuition.
Because Du Yunyun dropped out, her homeroom teacher visited several times, trying to persuade her to return, as Du Yunyun had been the top student in the entire school, even the entire county, since the first year of high school.
It was a great pity for the teacher to see such a good student drop out.
After understanding Du Yunyun's family situation, the teacher offered to pay Du Yunyun's tuition. However, Du Yunyun was a sensible and sensitive girl. She knew that even with tuition paid, there were other expenses for schooling, not to mention the large debt the family already owed.
So Du Yunyun told the teacher that she no longer wanted to attend school and wished to go out to work and earn money.
While the teacher was regretful about Du Yunyun's decision, she couldn't force Du Yunyun to attend school and had to let it go.
"Little sister, although they say there are thirty-six trades and each can lead to success, big brother knows you're talented in academics. So don't even think about working. As for money, I'm a man who stands tall and proud. Do you think a little girl like you needs to worry about it?"
Du Fei gently ruffled his sister's hair, his voice filled with confidence.
The current Du Fei was completely different. Having inherited his ancestor's legacy, earning money was as easy as pie for him.
"Brother, really? Can I really go back to school?"
"Son, Mom knows you're capable, but we owe a hundred thousand yuan in debt. Where will you get so much money so quickly?"
Du Yunyun's eyes lit up the moment she heard about returning to school.
Deep down, the little girl had never wanted to drop out. It was just that she was a sensible child who understood the family's dire circumstances. The cost of education was a huge sum. To avoid being a burden to the family and causing her mother more worry, she had put on a facade of indifference.
Now, hearing Du Fei say he could help her return to school, she was naturally overjoyed.
After her initial joy, Du Yunyun also realized that a hundred thousand yuan was no small sum. That amount of money could build two small houses in Du Family Village.
No matter how capable Du Fei was, he had just been released from prison. Where could he earn so much money to repay the debt?
"What's wrong, girl? Do you have so little faith in your brother?" Du Fei saw Du Yunyun's expression and still smiled, "Give me three days. By then, the outstanding debt and your tuition fees will both be settled."
Wu Chunmei and Du Yunyun were filled with doubt at Du Fei's words, but Du Fei spoke so assertively that they couldn't openly question him.
Wu Chunmei could only keep reminding Du Fei to be a good person now that he was out, and to absolutely not do anything illegal.
As it was nearing lunchtime, Wu Chunmei told Du Fei to rest and got up to cook.
"Oh, Xiao Fei, go take a shower. Wash away all the bad luck and negativity. From now on, our family will only get better."
Du Fei was surprised by his mother's superstition. Although he didn't believe in it, seeing Wu Chunmei's expectant eyes, he nodded.
After taking a shower, as soon as he opened the door, Du Fei saw a clean set of clothes placed on the stool by the door.
A smile involuntarily appeared on his face.
The family's conditions were very difficult, but the three of them loved each other. This warmth was something no amount of money or material possessions could compare to.
Du Fei knew very well that his mother and sister didn't quite believe his words from earlier.
But it was alright. He would prove it with his actions.
"Brother! Come over for dinner quickly."
Seeing Du Fei had showered and changed, Du Yunyun, who was in the kitchen, called out from the doorway.
Du Fei responded.
Sitting at the dining table, eating the home-cooked meal prepared by his mother, Du Fei felt it was the most delicious food in the world.