Back to 1984: Let's Work Hard Together to Raise The Kids!-Chapter 262: Xue Lingxue’s Decision

Lin Qingxiang nodded along, "Yes, at least more than half of the whole village has to buy in, and even people from the neighboring village know about it."

Xiao Jinlin listened more and more skeptically, pondering, "Is there a leading person?"

"There really is!" Lin Qingxiang slapped his thigh and looked at Chen Xinyue, "It’s your aunt. I heard your uncle is doing it and making quite a bit, and she’s been spreading the word around the village. Who wouldn’t want to get rich? So, everyone’s been asking about it."

Xiao Jinlin followed suit and looked at Chen Xinyue.

Chen Xinyue subconsciously frowned, "Why is it them again! When will it end? Does my grandpa know?"

Lin Qingxiang shook his head, "He doesn’t want to hear it. Every time I mention your uncle’s matters, he gets upset. I’m not blind to social cues; the more you say, the less you want to talk. Besides, we didn’t think it would involve breaking the law. What’s the point of talking about it?"

Chen Xinyue raised her voice, calling Lin Yi in and explained the situation to him.

Lin Yi’s face turned dark as expected, and he immediately cursed, "Lin Qingxiang, how can you believe anything related to the Li Lian family? Got a kick in the head by a donkey?"

"Hey! Talk is one thing, but why curse?" Lin Qingxiang mumbled in grievance, gesturing, "Well... it’s not just Jianqiang doing this; there are others too! One of them is even the son of the neighboring village’s party secretary."

"The party secretary’s son is involved too?" Lin Yi’s expression changed slightly, realizing this wasn’t simple, so he called Chen Wenjun right away, asking him to help investigate the so-called profitable business Lin Qingxiang mentioned.

With such an incident, the New Year didn’t feel as joyous.

In the afternoon, Chen Wenjun and others came back. Everyone tacitly avoided the distressing topic, focusing on playing and helping the adults with cooking and setting up the table.

With the addition of Xiao Jinlin this year, the reunion dinner was even more lively.

During the meal, Chen Wenjun kept pouring drinks for Xiao Jinlin.

Xiao Jinlin did not refuse, which made Chen Xinyue anxious, fearing that he might inadvertently spill the beans about her attending the Xiao family’s dinner.

Luckily, Xiao Jinlin kept his mouth shut, and Chen Wenjun knew his limits.

The meal dragged on until after eight o’clock.

When Nanxi lit up the first firework, Chen Xinyue grabbed Xiao Jinlin, "Come on, boss, let me show you the New Year vibe around here."

A little tipsy, Xiao Jinlin let Chen Xinyue drag him to the courtyard.

The river breeze blew, and he felt even dizzier.

Fireworks exploded one after another in the sky, resembling a meteor shower.

As the world spun, Xiao Jinlin instinctively leaned on Chen Xinyue, reached out to hold her, and lost consciousness...

Chen Xinyue staggered, almost falling over. Realizing Xiao Jinlin was drunk, she hurriedly shouted for help.

But the sound of fireworks drowned out her calls, so the people inside couldn’t hear a thing.

Frustrated, she gritted her teeth and dragged Xiao Jinlin to the gate, calling Chen Ruiyu and Chen Ruiming to help.

Together, the three managed to get Xiao Jinlin back to his room.

Chen Ruiyu frowned, "Can’t handle his liquor, huh!"

Chen Xinyue only felt a throbbing on her forehead, rubbing her temples in frustration, "Brother, he’s the president of our company, a privileged young master. Drinking is more about tasting and socializing for him. He’s on a different level from Dad. And Dad, really! How could he get someone drunk on New Year’s!"

Chen Wenjun is a Dang person, and having lived on boats for a long time with no other hobbies, most men enjoy a little drinking, and it’s mostly spirits. Their capacity to drink is usually not something everyone can match.

Chen Xinyue couldn’t understand, so she simply stopped thinking about it.

After making sure Xiao Jinlin was covered properly, she went downstairs with her brothers.

She had just reached downstairs when she received a call from Xue Lingxue.

"Xinyue, Happy New Year! I love you!" Xue Lingxue’s cheerful voice came from the phone.

Chen Xinyue couldn’t help but smile, "Happy New Year, my dear friend! I heard you went to Hong Kong for an inspection. How did it go?"

"I’ve decided to stay in Hong Kong."

Chen Xinyue glanced at Chen Ruiyu, not at all surprised by this answer.

"Are you going to study or work?"

Xue Lingxue hesitated for a moment, lowering her voice, "I signed with an entertainment company, planning to act."

Coughing and stopping in her tracks, Chen Xinyue was stunned, "You... what did you say?"

Xue Lingxue laughed bitterly, "Unbelievable, right? I also find this decision quite absurd, but I’ve studied piano, dance, and etiquette since I was a child. I can’t do anything else, and becoming a star might allow me to use my skills. Don’t you think?"

"Well... will your parents allow it?" Chen Xinyue was a bit nervous, knowing Xue’s parents’ personalities, who value reputation and family status greatly, how could they allow their daughter to be a star?

"What can they do if they don’t agree? I’ve already sacrificed for the Xue family, just not achieving their desire. While they still feel guilty, I’m taking this chance to fight for myself. If I delay any longer, I’ll end up with the same outcome, making all my previous grievances for nothing!" Xue Lingxue said.

Chen Xinyue knew from her calm tone that the girl had made up her mind.

"Alright then, since you’ve decided, I wish you fame and success!"

"Great! Once I become a big star, I’ll take you flying!"

The two laughed and chatted a bit before hanging up.

Chen Xinyue turned to Chen Ruiyu, "Brother, did you already know about Lingxue’s decision?"

Chen Ruiyu softly hummed in agreement, "Everyone has their dreams and goals. As friends, we can only bless and support them. I think it’s her matter, and it’s more appropriate for her to tell you herself."

Such clear boundaries!

Chen Xinyue couldn’t help but feel sad for her good friend. It seemed like what the lady wanted was not what the gentleman intended. Who knew if Xue Lingxue’s decision was the right one!

Beside them, Chen Ruiming saw that his brother and sister were silent, and timidly spoke, "Um... Happy New Year, brother and sister!"

He tried to smile brightly and joyfully, placing the red envelope on his chest, thinking Chen Ruiyu and Chen Xinyue would get his hint. Yet, all the siblings responded with was a "Happy New Year" and then ignored him.

Chen Ruiming felt like crying, "Brother, sister! Can’t you give your little brother some support?"

Chen Xinyue struggled to withhold her laughter as she turned to him, "We’re still the ones receiving red envelopes just like you! How can you ask us for red envelopes!"

Chen Ruiming deflated instantly.

Seeing him so pitiful, Chen Xinyue softened and handed him the red envelope she’d prepared in advance, "Here! Who are you putting on this act for!"

Chen Ruiming’s eyes lit up, and he jumped three feet in excitement, "Sister! You really are my sister, I love you so much!"

Chen Ruiyu teased, "What? So I’m not your brother if I don’t give you a red envelope?"

"No, no, big brother will always be my big brother!"

Pandering always works.

Chen Ruiyu couldn’t take it anymore and handed out his envelope too. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

With two heavy red envelopes in hand, Chen Ruiming proudly began showing off to his parents and grandpa.