QTIMP -Chapter 37 Character Persona – Greedy (Part 37)

Si Qiu quickly reminded him again, “Our money is enough for now, and there’s still time. Don’t take risks for the sake of getting those things. When you’re out on the road, stay alert and be careful. Also, the old man at our gate is a retired veteran. When you have time, go chat with him, build some rapport, maybe learn some military boxing from him. If you ever run into danger while driving, at least you’ll be able to defend yourself.”

The more Si Qiu spoke, the more she felt it really was quite dangerous.

As for Qin Bei, listening to her constant reminders only filled his heart with endless sweetness. He was the youngest in the family. His parents worked hard to support four half-grown sons.

He had always been looked after by his older brothers, but his eldest and second brothers never really acted like big brothers. They barely cared about him or the third brother.

So the two of them had become the most worry-free children in the family—and also the least valued. Now that someone cared about him this much, he didn’t find it annoying at all.

“Alright, I know what to do. Don’t worry, Qiuqiu. I still want to have children with you and grow old together.”

For a while after that, because the small courtyard needed repairs, Qin Bei only accepted driving jobs nearby. The subsidies were lower, and there weren’t any extra perks to pocket.

Occasionally he would receive some local specialties, which he brought back—sharing a portion with his family and storing the rest in the small courtyard.

The Qin family didn’t know Qin Bei had this courtyard, but the eldest and second brothers did. The third and fourth brothers had both found jobs, and decent ones at that.

It was rare for everyone—except during the New Year—to gather together at the Qin home. Mother Qin was happy and specially bought some meat and stir-fried eggs, making four dishes.

As soon as the eldest sister-in-law sat down, she picked up her chopsticks, first placing a piece of egg into her child’s bowl, then grabbing a piece of meat for herself. She ate big mouthfuls of meat, and it didn’t stop her from talking.

“Oh my, when all three people in a family have jobs, of course it’s better than one person supporting a whole household. Look—you can even afford to eat meat now.”

No one responded. Everyone just quietly ate. She kicked Qin Dong under the table. After swallowing his mouthful of meat, Qin Dong looked at the third and fourth brothers with a stern face.

“I’m just saying, Third and Fourth, you really don’t treat me like your big brother. How come you didn’t tell me when there was news about jobs? Am I not part of the Qin family anymore?”

Hearing that, Mother Qin hurried to explain.

“Xiaodong, Third’s job was a quota from the neighborhood office. Fourth’s job was found through a friend. It was urgent at the time—they registered directly with their household registration. How could that mean they don’t treat you as family?”

The eldest sister-in-law snorted. “That sounds nice, but you clearly hid it from us on purpose—as if we’d take advantage of them. Xiaodong, it’s just that you lack ability. Your brothers look down on you as the big brother. Even your parents favor the younger ones instead of caring about you, the eldest son and grandson.”

Egged on like this, Qin Dong’s temper flared even more.

“Since you look down on me and don’t treat me like a brother, Third and Fourth, don’t come asking me for help in the future.”

Qin Xi quickly tried to smooth things over. “Big Brother, don’t be angry. Mom already said Third and Fourth didn’t mean it.”

Then he changed the topic.

“But still, Third and Fourth, if there was news about jobs, you could’ve at least said something. My wife has a job, sure—but Sister-in-law doesn’t. If she had one, Big Brother’s family would live a little better. Especially our eldest nephew—he could benefit too.”

Third Brother Qin let out a scoff. “My job required passing an exam. Sister-in-law can’t even read—do you think she could pass? Fourth’s job was introduced by a buddy. He has to pay back thirty-five yuan a month for three years. So what? If we’d told you, would you have paid the money? Actually, you should have paid. After all, you and Big Brother’s jobs and marriages were paid for by the family.”

Qin Bei raised his head, took a sip of water, and continued, “Dad, since Big Brother and Sister-in-law say that, as a father you should at least be fair, right? When Third Brother and I were job hunting, you didn’t give us any money. Then when we get married, shouldn’t you give us more?”

“When Big Brother got married, he received fifty jin of sorghum flour, a temporary job quota, and his family of three ate at home for three years for free. When Second Brother got married, he was given sixty yuan, a sewing machine coupon, fabric for two sets of clothes, and ate and drank at home for over half a year. When the family split, he even got another ten yuan. Third Brother and I aren’t young anymore. What have you prepared for us?” Qin Bei laid everything out plainly, so it wouldn’t look like the two of them had taken advantage of the family.

When the eldest married, it was during the famine years. On the black market, one jin of sorghum flour could sell for four yuan.

When the second married, although the famine had passed, a sewing machine coupon alone was worth about a hundred yuan. Adding the fabric, sixty yuan in cash, and the extra ten later, it totaled nearly two hundred yuan.

If the remaining two sons were each to receive two hundred yuan, the old couple simply couldn’t afford it. Besides, marriage required more than just money—you had to host a banquet, invite people, hire carts—expenses piled up endlessly.

And according to Third’s meaning, it should even be more than two hundred, since the family hadn’t spent anything on their job searches, and they didn’t plan to eat at home for free after marriage.

Father Qin slammed the table. “Enough! Even food can’t shut your mouths. Third and Fourth found jobs because of their own ability. If you two have the ability, go find your own. If you don’t, then keep quiet. Don’t come whining in front of me.”

After saying that, he threw down his chopsticks and went back to his room.

Mother Qin sighed, wiped her tears, and followed him inside.

Qin Bei said to Third Brother, “Third Brother, hurry and eat. I still need your help with something after this.”

So the two of them stopped looking at the other three and began eating heartily.

After finishing, they left together, pretending not to hear Second Brother calling from behind.

“Fourth, did you see that? Mom and Dad clearly favor the eldest and second. The moment we mention giving money for our marriages, they immediately speak up. But earlier, when Big Brother and Second Brother were squeezing us, they acted like they heard nothing.”