Xie Xinlian shot Gan Juhua a glare, then followed Zhu Yanli and Zhu Shunyao away.
Seeing Xie Xinlian’s displeasure, Gan Juhua spoke up directly. "Look at you all. Is this how one treats elders? I knew it. Shunyao is like this now because her wife has corrupted her." She muttered complaints about Xie Xinlian. However, everyone present knew exactly what kind of person Gan Juhua was. Her words did not resonate with anyone; instead, they made her seem even more annoying.
"Enough," Zhu Enfu said, looking at Gan Juhua with dissatisfaction. He turned to Zhu Guifu. "We came today to discuss how to help your fourth branch. Instead, you jumped in to make decisions on your own. Since you are so decisive, why consult us? Decide for yourselves. But let me warn you: do not target the children of the third branch. Do not target any other branches either. The first-generation boss once said that men and women are equal, and women hold up half the sky. Nan Hong is also very good. If you insist on having a second child, find your own way. We are just rural folks, unlike Xiangyao, who has a state job. Do not come to us for help." Zhu Enfu waved his hand. "Let’s disperse."
The various branches said nothing and scattered. Zhu Guifu did not expect the result to be no result at all, which surprised them.
Back at the fourth branch’s home, Zhu Xiangyao’s face was full of gloom. "Father, it is not a solution for Qiaolian to hide at Auntie’s house in the mountains."
Zhu Guifu frowned slightly and took a puff of his cigarette. "What can we do? Hiding there means no one pays attention, and the child can be born. But what about you? If this child is born, your job will be in trouble."
Zhu Xiangyao thought for a moment, then gritted his teeth. "Many people are going into business now. At worst, I will do the same. Besides, the economy is developing. I do not believe I cannot support my family."
"That is an iron rice bowl," Gan Juhua said, unwilling to give up. Not everyone could get such a secure job.
Zhu Xiangyao looked at Gan Juhua. "Mother, you really should not have suggested adopting Doumiao. If you had not said that, you would not have angered Brother. If he had not been angry, we could have said some nice words, and he might have helped. Now, getting his help is difficult."
Gan Juhua felt indignant. "I just said he is an ungrateful wolf."
"Enough," Zhu Guifu frowned, his expression very bad. "Do not speak of this topic anymore. Shunyao’s family belongs to the third branch. We are now separate branches. To get their help, we need sincerity. You were indeed wrong today."
Hearing Zhu Guifu say this, Gan Juhua did not dare to argue. In her view, a wife must still obey her husband. Zhu Guifu continued, "Here is the plan. In a few days, go to the mountains to look after Qiaolian for a while. Xiangyao, prepare yourself. If a son is truly born, you will voluntarily resign. You will say that you discovered Zhang Qiaolian was pregnant and needed surgery, but she hid. Now that the child is born, you must take responsibility. It is your own flesh and blood, so you resign voluntarily to leave a good impression on the organization."