Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 8 Signature and Deposit
Although the family meeting ended with Wang Chengpeng's victory, it was an extremely heavy blow to the filial Wang Tieshan.

He couldn't understand why he, an honest and upright person, had earned a reputation for being cunning and treacherous.

If he had been able to figure out the intricacies of the situation, he wouldn't have been tricked by others and ended up just sitting on the edge of the bed, sulking.

Seeing his father in such a state, Wang Chengpeng felt a pang of heartache, lowered his head, and said:

"Dad, I'm sorry."

"If I hadn't acted recklessly, things wouldn't have turned out this way."

Looking at Wang Chengpeng, who was tall and strong, even a little taller than himself, Wang Tieshan not only did not blame him, but was also extremely gratified.

He's an honest man, not a fool, so he knows he often suffers losses, but he just doesn't know how to fight back.

Unexpectedly, her usually taciturn son suddenly came to his senses and, under pressure, said those words during a family meeting.

Wang Tieshan didn't know whether separating from his family was a good thing or a bad thing, but he only knew that he had to live his life well with his family from now on.

Thinking this, Wang Tieshan said with great satisfaction, "My son has grown up and has his own ideas, which I can understand."

“We are a family, so we can speak our minds directly without any reservations.”

"Don't say that what you say might not be wrong. Even if it is wrong, your parents will support you."

"If you young people don't make a few mistakes, how can you grow up smoothly?"

"For better or for worse, the division of the family is a done deal."

"You should get some rest. We'll be separating the family tomorrow, and there'll be a lot of things to do."

Although he was already feeling down, Wang Tieshan still chose to comfort Wang Chengpeng immediately.

In those days, although black and white televisions had already appeared, they were still a rarity in rural areas, and only the production team leader, who was in the best-off family, had one.

To save lamp oil, most people chose to go straight to sleep once night fell, saving their energy for the hard work the next day.

……

The Wang family was asleep, but a dim light still flickered in one of their rooms.

If you listen carefully, you can hear Wang Jinshan and Zhao Yuju discussing something inside.

Although the division of the family property was a done deal, Zhao Yuju still harbored resentment and asked, puzzled:
“Son, why are you siding with outsiders and helping the old man agree to the request to divide the family property among his sons?”

“That’s at least three able-bodied young men. If we separate their family, our income will be significantly reduced.”

Seeing Zhao Yuju's stubbornness, Wang Jinshan thought to himself that he was indeed the only smart one, and began to explain:

"How could I not know that dividing the family property would be a huge loss for our family?"

"But you know the situation back then. The third brother had already made his point. Unless we were willing to support his family for several years, we simply couldn't refuse his request to separate the family."

After hearing Wang Jinshan's explanation, Zhao Yuju's confusion deepened, and she said, quite puzzled:

"If others don't know, do you think you don't?"

"We shouldn't let the good stuff go to outsiders. This money was definitely lent to the third brother under someone else's name, and the interest we get will ultimately belong to us."

“Under these circumstances, even if we let the third son eat and drink for free for a few years, we will still make a profit.”

Stupid!

Although he was disdainful, Wang Jinshan patiently continued to explain, saying:

"From a long-term perspective, it is indeed more cost-effective to keep the three families."

"But as you know, my family is in a difficult situation. Ya Fang is about to give birth, and my second son, Xia An, is of marriageable age. Our house is already too small."

"In that case, kicking out the third brother's family is the best option. We can take over their house and live more comfortably."

"Besides, even though the third brother's family has left, they still have to pay us the interest on the money they owe."

"That's 96 yuan in interest a year. We're not going to lose out on getting such a large sum of money for free."

At this point, Wang Jinshan's expression became even more smug.

Even if the family splits up, the third son's family still can't escape his grasp.

However, the smug Wang Jinshan was unaware that the reason things had turned out this way was entirely due to Wang Chengpeng's efforts.

Despite his self-proclaimed intelligence, he was nothing more than a pawn in Wang Chengpeng's scheme to achieve the division of the family business.

After Wang Jinshan's thorough explanation, Zhao Yuju finally realized the implications and understood the seriousness of the situation.

If splitting up the family property can make their lives better, then this family really must split up.

Although the Wang Jinshan family was still just as crowded in their previous life, they did not split up, mainly because the Wang Chengpeng family had been exploited to the bone and had a large amount of gold coins.

Due to Zhao Yuju's favoritism, these gold coins naturally ended up in the hands of Wang Jinshan's family.

They quickly found an excuse to move to a better place.

Unlike Wang Chengpeng's family, whose move was more like being kicked out and splitting up, Wang Jinshan's move was a grand and triumphant affair. His entire luxurious mansion was the envy of his relatives and friends.

After figuring things out, Zhao Yuju felt much better. She laboriously pulled a large bag from behind her and placed it in front of Wang Jinshan, saying:
"This contains some flour, rice, and pork. I just bought it and haven't had time to deliver it to you yet."

"Boss, keep this safe. I've noticed you've gotten a bit thinner lately."

"It's a good thing we're splitting up tomorrow morning, otherwise if the third brother found out and took over, we'd be in deep trouble."

"With that old bastard Wang Degong watching over things, I really can't refuse to give them the things that are out in the open."

In the dim light, one could vaguely make out Wang Jinshan's ruddy complexion, which was even slightly chubby.

Even this can be called starving thin; those who are favored are indeed fearless.

Without any hesitation, Wang Jinshan took the bag, feeling its heavy weight in his hands. He smiled knowingly and said happily:

"Mom, you are so good to me."

"Don't worry, I'll treat you just as well when you get old."

"Leave your retirement to me. I will ensure you enjoy a happy and carefree old age surrounded by your children and grandchildren."

Upon hearing Wang Jinshan's kind words, Zhao Yuju immediately beamed with joy and said:

"Eldest son, I knew you were the most filial. I haven't spoiled you for nothing."

"Alright, I have to go. It wouldn't be good if someone saw me if I stayed any longer."

"You should get some rest too. Tomorrow, the third son has a tough battle to fight at home."

"To avoid any unforeseen complications, I'll find someone to preside over the division of the family property before dawn tomorrow. We absolutely cannot let him go back on his word."

……

Just as dawn was breaking, the loud crowing of roosters echoed throughout the entire Wangjia Village.

After a quick wash, Wang Chengpeng and his family arrived at the compound to prepare for the final family division ceremony.

It's unclear who was in such a hurry, but village officials and several respected elders were invited over early in the morning.

Since neither party had any objections, the division of the family property proceeded very smoothly.

Only when it came time to sign and seal the document did Wang Degong, as if possessed, ask Wang Tieshan a question before signing:
"Third brother, are you really sure you want to split up the family?"

Wang Degong wasn't stupid; he quickly realized something was wrong after returning home that night.

Doesn't he know what kind of personality his son has?

If Wang Tieshan was truly hiding his true nature, he wouldn't have been exposed over something as trivial as dividing the family property.

So when it came time to sign and put his fingerprint on the document, he suddenly had a change of heart.

However, such a major matter as dividing the family property involves the interests of countless people, so how can it be something that can be easily reversed?

Zhao Yuju immediately spoke up, "Old man, what nonsense are you talking about?"

"The division of the family property was a major decision made at last night's family meeting, how can it be changed so easily?"

"Just sign it quickly!"

Everyone in the Wang family present had their own ulterior motives, except for Wang Tieshan, who genuinely felt some reluctance to part with his parents.

Considering his wife and children, no matter how reluctant Wang Tieshan was, he could only say decisively, "I'm sure."

"Father, don't be sad. Separating the family just means moving out to live separately, it doesn't mean severing the family ties."

“During holidays, I will still bring my wife and children to visit you and Mother.”

That makes sense, but everyone knows that once people separate, they inevitably drift apart.

With a sigh, Wang Degong finally signed his name on the family division agreement and even pressed his fingerprint on it.

This was the first time he had ever felt so powerless.

Not only did Wang Tieshan want to separate the family, but even Wang Jinshan and Wang Yinshan looked at him with great affection.

The largest family in Wangjia Village, the Wang family, eventually dispersed, and could only say to Wang Tieshan with a face full of reluctance:
"Third brother, if..."

However, before he could finish speaking, Wang Degong froze on the spot, unable to utter any further pleasantries.

The reason the Wang family had to split up was precisely because Wang Tieshan needed something from his family.

What right does he have to say such polite things? Isn't he afraid of being laughed at by those who know the truth?

After holding it in for a long time, Wang Degong finally managed to say, "Third brother, I hope your family's life will get better and better in the future."

After saying that, Wang Degong signed his name and affixed his fingerprint to the family division certificate.

Amidst the crowd, Wang Chengpeng smiled slightly; he had finally taken the first step in changing his family's fate.

(End of this chapter)