Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 354 - 269: Separation (Part 2)

Mr. Zhang explained: "This isn’t even a thousand here. They’re mostly small bills, it just looks like a lot. Our family earns quite a bit from work points each year. Over the years, without any big expenses, we’ve slowly saved up."

The Zhang Clan Leader wasn’t interested in probing into others’ privacy, and asked: "How much do you plan to keep?"

Mr. Zhang had already made up his mind, and said: "Two hundred per share, four shares make eight hundred, the rest goes to the kids’ mother. Alright, now we really should talk about care." After speaking, he laughed first.

The Old Captain hurriedly stopped him, "The division hasn’t even been sorted out properly yet. There’s also the courtyard, the family furniture, the pigs, chickens, ducks, and household items that all need to be divided up."

Mr. Zhang patted his own forehead and laughed heartily, "I’ve already spoken privately with them and have now forgotten. This courtyard goes to the eldest, the two courtyards next door have already been divided. I’ll give each family a set of dishes and chopsticks, and come spring, each family gets ten chicks. We’ll divide the grain per person. They can move everything from their rooms. The remaining pig in the house will be for them to keep warm. No more chickens or ducks. Uncle, have a look if there’s anything missed? If things are divided, then I’ll proceed with the care arrangements."

The Old Captain looked towards the clan leader and others, saw them shaking their heads, and said: "There’s nothing left to divide. Your division is really simple. You have three good sons, not being fussy is great. Dividing a family is most feared when people argue over even a single bowl."

Mr. Zhang smiled and continued: "According to the rules, we’ll follow the eldest. If we want to see one of you, we’ll stay at your place for a few days. Regardless of where you are, whether we visit or not, you must prepare a room for both of us."

Zhang Guoqing quickly said: "Second brother and I have discussed it. You and mom can live with whomever you want, you don’t have to only follow big brother, dad and mom aren’t just for big brother alone."

Zhang Guoqiang added: "That’s the idea. Do you and mom really plan to only care for big brother, ignoring us two? There’s no need to talk about care fees or anything. Xiao Wu and I have privately discussed it; he’ll provide the money, and I’ll provide the grain. We’ll handle it together."

Mr. Zhang shook his head, "It can’t be done like this. The division has to be clearly written. Otherwise, what’s the point of dividing? Apart from what’s on paper, you can decide yourselves afterwards."

All the middlemen present rolled their eyes at him—you want a clearly written division? In terms of division, Zhang the Second is the least clear. It’s only because the sons and daughters-in-law are filial and accommodating to him. Who wouldn’t divide up dozens of chickens?

Mr. Zhang smiled at everyone and explained: "We’ve all discussed it before. Before moving, the kids’ mother was in charge of the house, so the detailed things can’t be clearly divided. We’ll only assess it once they’ve moved out."

The Clan Leader nodded, having no other opinions, as long as their family feels good about it. He laid out the paper and began preparing to write the division document.

Mr. Zhang quickly said as he started writing: "The care problem goes with my eldest’s family. Anyway, if I run out of money, I’ll ask them. I’m not afraid they won’t be filial."

Mr. Zhang’s words made the clan elders laugh again. Before coming, they already knew Zhang the Second’s family was easy to divide, with no major issues expected. They didn’t anticipate it to be so simple, seeing all three sons and daughters-in-law smiling with no objections. Everyone was happy for the old couple.

"Uncle, you must add, in the future, health care costs for us must be shared among you three brothers, and each family must take turns caring for the elderly. And after we pass, the costs are also split."

Zhou Jiao saw they were already preparing to write the division document, marking the end of the division. She tugged at her two sisters-in-law’s clothes and signaled towards the kitchen. The three sisters-in-law whispered as they headed to the kitchen to prepare the dishes.

Zhang Guoqing noticed his mother’s low spirits and realized she hadn’t smiled the entire time. He knew that the division was a sad matter for her. Being parents, they’ve raised their kids with care, growing them up, and once the sons are grown, they separate with one after another. A perfectly good family is split into several parts. For his mother, dividing the family means being distant; sons belong to daughters-in-law, and her money is gone. It really is losing both people and wealth!

Zhang Guoqing took Ping’an in his arms, led Mother Zhang back to the bedroom, and said with a smile: "Mom, just think of this as playing a game, entertaining everyone. I didn’t take it seriously. What division? Just making dad happy. Your youngest son isn’t dividing the family with you. We’re on the same side. The eldest brother is already seventy or eighty, where would he still need parents? Your youngest son is only eighteen, don’t let dad fool you. You should stay with me!"

After speaking, he put Ping’an down and lay on the bed. Zhang Guoqing took out two newly received red envelopes from his pocket and directly stuffed them into Mother Zhang’s pocket.

Mother Zhang took out the red envelopes and put them under his pillow. "If I’m giving it to you, just keep it. When mom is out of money, I’ll ask you." She then whispered in his ear, "Your dad and I won’t run out of money, we’ve secretly set some aside."

Zhang Guoqing smiled and gave her a thumbs up. How much money could his parents have left? At this point, the old couple would be willing to sell everything to raise money for a house in the county town. Even if there’s some private savings, it’s limited; he stopped pushing it and planned to give it to her before returning to the county town.

Mother Zhang was happy being coaxed by her youngest son. Indeed, her family’s division is unlike others. She’s not worried about care because with the youngest son around, who would dare show her a bad face? If she’s not feeling well, she’ll just live with Xiao Wu.

"Silly son, don’t worry about mom. Mom’s fine, and it’s good to divide. Free and easy, I can visit your uncle’s house anytime."

Zhang Guoqing nodded in agreement, "That’s the spirit. Just tell me wherever you want to go, I won’t let you walk, I’ll drive you. If you want to chat with old sisters, your son will bring them home to keep you company. Isn’t it great, not having to stay in the kitchen all day. In a few days, our family will return to the county town, and before the new year, your youngest son will accompany you both to travel around and have fun."

Mother Zhang laughed heartily at this; indeed, her husband guessed right, they really wanted to take them away.