Before even reaching home, she heard noisy sounds mixed with faint crying.
The living room was a mess, with broken bowls, dented pots, her mother’s clothes, and books scattered everywhere.
Her sister-in-law stood like a victorious rooster, arms crossed, leaning against the table.
Her mother sat curled in a corner chair, her small figure appearing aged at only 56, with red, swollen eyes illuminated by harsh white light.
Jing Xin’s heart ached. What was the point of having children? They said one would enjoy their children’s blessings in old age, but her mother wasn’t enjoying anything, not even a normal life.
“Brother, what happened? How did it become like this again?” Jing Xin asked weakly.
Her brother shook his head, saying nothing. A neighbor pulled Jing Xin aside and whispered: “The village chief came today to notify that the village will be demolished this week. Tomorrow, households must report their homeowner’s situation. Your sister-in-law is causing this scene to fight for an extra house, but your mom absolutely refuses to agree. With tomorrow’s deadline approaching, she’s trying to force your mom to change her mind. Qing Mei’s life is truly difficult, stuck with such a daughter-in-law.”
The neighbor’s voice was low, but the sharp-eared sister-in-law heard it.
Jing Xin, I want to make this clear: three houses must be registered under your brother’s and my name. After getting the houses, I’ll give one to you and Mom to live in until Mom passes away, and then I’ll take it back. Don’t you think this is fair?
“Okay, let’s do it this way. I have no objections. We’ll go to the village office tomorrow to register. But you must promise me one thing: you’re not allowed to bully Mom anymore.” Jing Xin didn’t want to dwell on this matter, thinking that once she starts working, she’ll take her mother to live with her.
“Guo Ai Ping, as long as I’m alive, don’t even think about it!” The mother rose from the corner, stepping on scattered fragments. Her face showed a mix of despair and determination: “Jing Rong, I’m not asking you to help your sister, but you must give one of the houses to your sister.”
