Lin Xue had prepared lunch by noon, but after waiting for a long time, no one returned home.
Holding each of her children by the hand, she stepped out of the house and only learned from a neighbor that her second brother, Lin Han, had come back!
A wave of inexplicable grievance surged in her heart—why hadn’t her parents told her they wouldn’t be home for lunch?
And what about Second Brother? Did he no longer acknowledge her as his sister?
He didn’t even invite her to eat with them!
Lin Guozheng and the others had to return to work in the afternoon, so they stopped after a few drinks. Everyone focused on eating, except for Third Brother Lin, who had claimed he’d only take a few bites but never left the table.
Sun Qian, who had been waiting for him to come back for lunch, was so annoyed that she ate his portion as well.
Fan Shuting and the other women left the table first, but they didn’t have to clean up—Sizhong and the others took the initiative to wash the pots and dishes in the kitchen.
Just as Third Brother Lin was pouring the braised pork sauce over his rice, the door swung open, and Lin Xue made a grand entrance with her two children in tow.
As if her previous conflict with Nan Sheng had never happened, she smiled sweetly at Lin Han. "Second Brother, you’re back? Dabao, Erbao, say hello to your Second Uncle!"
"Second Uncle!"
"Second Uncle!"
Before Lin Han could respond, Lin Xue turned to her parents with a complaint. "Mom, Dad, I had lunch ready at home, but you didn’t even tell me you were eating at Second Brother’s place. I only found out from Aunt Liu!"
Zhou Wei couldn’t help but admire her sister-in-law’s audacity. She glanced at Nan Sheng and, sure enough, saw her expression darken.
Nan Sheng spoke coldly, "Lin Xue, didn’t I make it clear that you’re never to step foot in my house again? Did you forget?"
Fan Shuting, afraid the two might come to blows, quickly stood up to pull her daughter away. "Second Daughter-in-law, this is my fault—I forgot to send word. We’ll leave now. Let your eldest sister-in-law help you clean up."
Lin Xue shook off Fan Shuting’s hand, deliberately putting on a magnanimous act in front of Lin Han.
"Second Sister-in-law, Second Brother and I are siblings by blood—nothing can change that. You might’ve said those things in anger, but do you really want to cut ties with me? Don’t you think Second Brother would have something to say about that?"
She was certain that, in front of their parents, Lin Han wouldn’t humiliate her.
But she forgot one thing—in Lin Han’s heart, his parents’ dignity mattered, but not more than his wife and children.
Seeing everyone waiting for his response, Lin Han didn’t disappoint.
"Lin Xue, in this household, your sister-in-law’s word is law. I let your past mistreatment of the children slide because you’re young, but from now on, stay at the old house. Don’t come here again."
His words sent shockwaves through the Lin family.
When Nan Sheng had talked about cutting ties, they hadn’t taken it seriously. But Lin Han was different—he always meant what he said.
Even Lin Guozheng couldn’t help calling out, "Second Son," hoping to stop him.
Lin Han poured himself another drink and downed it—he needed the courage.
"Mom, Dad, I’ve been away in the military all these years. Bai Xiu never got to enjoy a good life with me, and I failed to take care of our children.
Now that I’ve married Nan Sheng, she’s been raising my kids and looking after you in my place. I owe her everything, and I will stand by her. If anyone dares to mistreat her or the children again, they’re my enemy."
Nan Sheng couldn’t help but feel a swell of satisfaction at his words. She sat back and watched the drama unfold.
Lin Guozheng and Fan Shuting were shaken. They had assumed the tension between their daughter and daughter-in-law was just a passing phase.
But Lin Han’s declaration made it clear—there would be no reconciliation. The two families were cutting ties for good.
As parents, how could they not feel the sting?
Eldest Brother Lin wanted to mediate, but guilt over his own neglect of his nephew and niece kept him silent. He could only glare at Zhou Wei.
As for Third Brother Lin, he wished he could vanish under the table, terrified that his second brother might remember to kick him again—his limp was still fresh.
And then there was the matter of his delicious bowl of rice. Would it be inappropriate to keep eating now?
Lin Xue was stunned. She had expected her brother to take her side, only to find him and his wife standing united.
Desperate, she tried to appeal to his affection. "Second Brother! I’m your sister! How long has she even been part of this family?"
Lin Han wasn’t fooled. "You have your own family now. If I had a conflict with your husband, would you choose me over him?"
The truth was harsh—once siblings started their own families, their priorities shifted. Supporting each other was ideal, but causing trouble was unacceptable.
And Lin Xue? She was nothing but trouble.
Lin Xue had no retort. Lin Guozheng’s face darkened as he and Fan Shuting dragged their daughter and grandchildren away—clearly displeased with their son.
What should have been a pleasant meal was ruined by Lin Xue’s unwelcome intrusion.
Eldest Brother Lin, weighed down by guilt, patted his brother’s shoulder. "I failed you, little brother. You were out there risking your life, and I didn’t look after Dabao and Siqi properly."
Zhou Wei lowered her head, unrepentant. In her mind, who wouldn’t prioritize their own children? If Dabao and Siqi ate more, her own kids got less. Survival of the fittest.
Lin Han didn’t blame him. "Eldest Brother, Dabao and Siqi are my responsibility. I don’t expect you to carry that burden.
All I ask is that if Nan Sheng ever needs help, you and the boys lend a hand. Just make sure no one bullies them."
It was the alcohol talking—he wasn’t usually this expressive.
"Don’t worry, that’s the least I can do!" Eldest Brother Lin vowed.
