The Rebirth That Saved My Family

During the Qingming Festival, my second uncle died in a car accident. At the funeral, my grandfather suddenly knelt down, begging us to adopt my second uncle's daughter:

"Your aunt ran away, your second uncle is dead, if you don't take this child away, she'll die here!"

Out of brotherly love, my father immediately completed the adoption procedures and brought my cousin home.

But as soon as we returned to the city, my cousin was diagnosed with congenital heart disease.

Our family spent most of our savings to cure her, treating her with utmost care.

However, my cousin became rebellious during her adolescence. Not only did she steal money from home to hang out with her delinquent boyfriend, but she also insisted on giving up the college entrance exam:

"Prepare one million for my dowry! The college entrance exam happens every year, but a husband might run away!"

My parents were furious with her. For the first time, they disciplined her physically, giving her a slap across the face.

But she harbored a grudge. That night, she pretended to be obedient and cooked for us, but instead poisoned the entire family to death!

As I struggled, I asked her why.

She wore a vicious expression:

"Who dared that old man to slap me? If you dare hit me, you must pay the price!"

After death, my soul lingered. I watched as she took all our family assets and reunited with my second uncle, who had faked his death, and my aunt, who had pretended to run away.

Only then did I realize that our family had been completely wiped out.

Chapter 1

The day before the Qingming Festival, we suddenly received a call saying that my second uncle had passed away in a car accident.

We hurried back to our hometown.

Just as we reached the village entrance, I saw my grandfather waiting there.

As we approached, he knelt down with tears streaming down his face.

"Eldest son, Dad is begging you for something."

My parents were shocked and quickly moved to help him up.

"Dad, what are you doing? A father shouldn't kneel to his son! Just tell me what you need."

Grandfather refused to get up, just wiped away a tear and wailed:

"Eldest son, your brother died too tragically. His wife ran away too, and now only Ruyan is left."

Seeing the familiar scene before me, my eyes widened, and I subconsciously pulled my parents back.

Fear instantly filled my entire body.

Seeing my reaction, my grandfather looked at me with tearful eyes.

"Your cousin is about your age. Your aunt ran away, your second uncle died—if your parents aren't willing to take her in, she'll die here."

My whole body trembled. I could feel, I could hear—it was exactly the same as in my memory.

Could it be that...

I've truly been reborn?

I quickly looked at my parents and saw that their exchanged gazes were filled with nothing but pity.

They seemed to know nothing about what would happen next.

Was it only me who had returned with these memories?

"Dad, about raising this child, let me discuss it with Xiuqin. Please get up first—I can't accept this."

My father tried to help my grandfather up again.

But grandfather shook his arm away and suddenly became furious: "What's there to discuss? That's your own brother! How can you bear to ignore a child connected by blood!"

My father fell silent, looking conflicted.

In today's society, raising a child isn't that simple.

Seeing this, my mother hesitated for a moment, then squatted down to pull my grandfather up.

At this point, they would agree to the adoption.

I quickly shouted at the top of my lungs:

"I don't agree! Why should I have to share half of the love that should belong only to me!"

Everyone froze. No one expected me to be so resistant.

As if they couldn't believe I would say such things.

From childhood, I had always been a good child—what others called "the child next door."

To put it this way, whenever I saw someone in need on the street, I would rather donate my pocket money than keep it.

Liu Ruyan from my second uncle's family was my cousin, yet I was so adamantly against taking her in.

This was something no one expected.

But they didn't know the truth.

I would rather be scorned by everyone for being uneducated than let the tragedy repeat itself!

Chapter 2

In my previous life, our main purpose had been to attend the funeral.

But we didn't even get to see the deceased one last time—we didn't even see the body.

Grandfather stopped us, kneeling and begging us to take my cousin in.

My parents' hesitation wasn't unreasonable.

Because our family and my second uncle's family had always had a lukewarm relationship—just maintaining appearances.

My second uncle's family used to be very wealthy and looked down on us. To show their superiority, during family gatherings, they would mock us with sarcastic comments.

Everyone has their pride. Once, my second uncle went too far, pointing at my father's nose and saying that poor people shouldn't have children. My father lost his temper and argued with him.

As a result, my second uncle, fueled by alcohol, slapped my father across the face, cursing more and more viciously, not treating his older brother with any respect.

The relatives just watched the show—no one came to mediate.

And my grandfather, right there, started criticizing my father, saying he was immature for arguing with his own brother and should hurry up and apologize.

Poor people are looked down upon even by their closest family.

My father saw their true colors clearly.

He was heartbroken.

After that, our family and my second uncle's became estranged—we stopped visiting.

My father was full of resentment. After that, he worked tirelessly at any hard or difficult job, just to earn more money, so that we would no longer be looked down upon.

When our family finally bought a house in the city and had some savings, our lives gradually improved, but my second uncle went bankrupt.

My parents didn't say much, didn't express much opinion—life continued as usual, no different from before my second uncle's bankruptcy.

But I wasn't so magnanimous—I said he deserved it!

Within half a year, we received news that my second uncle had died in a car accident.

No matter how much resentment there is between family, it becomes insignificant in the face of life and death.

My parents set aside their differences and returned to our hometown for the funeral, but this led to the current situation.

Grandfather said my second uncle's car accident was severe, his body torn to pieces, so he had to be taken directly for cremation and burial.

He insisted that we must take the "orphaned" cousin with us.

He said that otherwise, my cousin would surely die in the village.

As my parents hesitated, grandfather began the moral blackmail, kneeling and kowtowing, threatening them with talk of flesh and blood.

My kindness came from somewhere.

My parents were my best teachers.

So they didn't last many rounds before they compromised.

What was supposed to be a funeral suddenly turned into taking in a child.

They didn't even go through proper funeral procedures before being urged to handle the adoption.

Once the paperwork was completed, grandfather rushed us away.

Back in the city, my parents soon arranged for a medical checkup.

After all, after my second uncle's bankruptcy, he was constantly pursued by debtors, often without food.

My parents were worried that the emaciated cousin might be malnourished.

During this time, my parents continuously comforted her, telling her not to be sad and to treat them as her own parents from now on.

But soon, the doctor hurriedly called my parents to his office.

The test results were not good. My cousin's weakness wasn't due to malnutrition—she suffered from severe congenital heart disease.

If she were to be treated, it would cost a fortune in medical expenses.

Our family was struck by lightning. My father immediately called grandfather.

But grandfather insisted he knew nothing about this and couldn't help, saying that since we had adopted her, we must take responsibility.

Having no other choice, my parents discussed it for an entire night and ultimately decided to treat her.

After all, she was now on our family's household registration, so we had to be responsible for her.

In the following days, my parents traveled everywhere, either borrowing money or taking extra part-time jobs, all to cure her illness.

It cost our family all our savings, taking a full five years to help my cousin recover.

What affected me most was that my parents had already achieved basic financial stability through their hard work, but after this incident, we were plunged back into poverty.

Fortunately, we managed to keep the house from being sold.

My parents had no choice but to replay the scene from years ago, growing thinner day by day to earn money for our education.

But they never complained, because from the day my cousin was added to our household registration, they treated her as one of their own.

But who could have imagined that this was all part of their conspiracy!

Later, when my cousin reached her rebellious adolescence, she either stole money from home or dated boyfriends, making our home chaotic.

My parents tried to teach her not to do these things, but my cousin wouldn't listen at all.

Not only did she insist on giving up the college entrance exam, but she also made outrageous demands: "Prepare one million for my dowry! The college entrance exam happens every year, but a husband might run away!"

My parents were furious.

For the first time, my father disciplined her physically, giving her a slap.

On the surface, my cousin seemed indifferent, but in reality, she held a grudge.

That night, she pretended to admit her mistake, saying she would personally cook as an apology, but she actually poisoned the food.

When we started foaming at the mouth, feeling our internal organs being torn apart by knives, it was already too late.

Even then, we never suspected that my cousin had done it—we just thought she didn't know how to cook, leading to our food poisoning.

Until my cousin sneered: "How does it feel? Does it hurt? I specially prepared this for you—the most deadly poison."

My parents and I widened our eyes in disbelief, asking her why she did this.

But my cousin spoke indifferently: "You're not my family anyway—do I need a reason to kill you?"

"If you must have a reason... you're not my parents, so how dare you slap me! If you dare hit me, you deserve to die!"

She just watched us three gradually lose our breath in agony with a vicious smile.

Because of a single slap.

The cousin our family had cared for nearly ten years directly poisoned us to death!

How ridiculous!

After death, my resentful soul lingered. I saw that my second uncle, who should have been ashes, had actually "come back to life"!

He and my runaway aunt, together with my cousin, destroyed the evidence, hastily had us cremated, then took over all our family's property, and the three of them fled abroad to live in luxury!

It turned out the car accident had been fake all along—my second uncle had faked his death, and my aunt had pretended to run away.

Everything was fake!

The purpose was to make our family the suckers who would help his daughter with her medical treatment, and then wipe us out completely.

I hated it, but I couldn't change anything anymore.

Fortunately, heaven couldn't bear to watch.

It gave me another chance.

In this life, I will definitely prevent the tragedy from happening!

Chapter 3

"I don't agree! Why should I have to share half of the love that should belong only to me!"

Hearing my words, my parents and grandfather froze for a moment.

When they recovered, grandfather pointed at me, questioning my parents.

"Look at what you've spoiled your child into!

"Connected by blood, between family members—bones may break but the sinuses remain connected. Haven't you taught him this principle!"

My mother didn't take grandfather's words seriously, instead carefully asking for my opinion: "Xiaoyu, don't you like your second uncle's cousin?"

"I don't like her! She looked down on me when her family was rich when we were young. I've never even been inside their house, let alone eaten a single meal there! Why should we adopt her!"

"Son, you two share the same blood. No matter what, you'll always be the closest!"

My father sounded somewhat anxious.

My mother gave my father a look, pulled me to her side, and said to grandfather: "Dad, we have no objection to adopting her, but it must have Xiaoyu's consent.

"Nowadays, even for a second child, you need to ask the older one's opinion first, let alone for adoption."

My father wanted to say something, but received another look from my mother.

Grandfather frowned, displeased: "Are you two really so heartless? We're all family—what's wrong with adopting one? You actually need to listen to a child?!"

"Since when do children make decisions in this family!"

My mother shook her head: "Dad, you can't say that. We've given all our love to Xiaoyu. To suddenly have someone else share all his parents' love with him—shouldn't we respect his opinion?"

As she spoke, she looked at me:

"Xiaoyu, Mom will ask you one last time. Ruyan is your cousin. Are you willing to let her live with us?"

"Unwilling!"

Touched though I was, I answered firmly and without hesitation.

The next second, grandfather slapped me across the face.

I could tell he was afraid his plan would fail and had become enraged.

I was hit without any warning.

Struck solidly across the cheek, stars immediately danced before my eyes.

"You little bastard! We're all family—look at what nonsense you're talking! How did our Lin family produce such a heartless thing like you!"

Chapter 4

The sudden action angered my mother. She anxiously checked my injury.

My father also angrily asked grandfather: "Dad, what are you doing! Xiaoyu is just a child, how could you hit so hard!"

"Child? I think his heart is already as twisted as an adult's!

"Let me tell you, you will raise your brother's orphan whether you want to or not! Otherwise... otherwise I'll make it so you can never return to your hometown!"

My mother bit her lip lightly, as if she had made some decision, and said: "Xiaoyu, kneel before your grandfather."

I clenched my fists and looked at my mother.

Did she want to compromise?

The next second, my mother's tone was heavy as she repeated: "Kneel, kneel before your grandfather."

Grandfather immediately looked pleased: "No need for kneeling. Just take Ruyan to transfer her to your household registration, then hurry back to the city. From now on, whatever this stinking boy has, Ruyan must have too. You can't show favoritism.

"When Ruyan gets married in the future, you must also prepare her dowry in advance—cars and houses can't be lacking..."

My mother ignored my grandfather and said coldly again:

"Kowtow to your grandfather, thank him for taking care of you for a week when you were little."

My mother's next words left my grandfather completely stunned.

"Xiuqin, what do you mean by that?"

"Nothing much. If we can't return to the hometown, then so be it. Let Xiaoyu kowtow to you to thank you, and that's that."

"What do you mean 'that's that'? Are you trying to... cut ties with me?"

"Weren't you the one who said that if we don't adopt, we cut ties?"

My mother asked disdainfully.

Seeing this, my father quickly came over to mediate: "Wife, don't be impulsive. Dad, you too—Xiuqin doesn't mean that, don't overthink it."

"Let go!" My mother shook off my father's hand. "Lin Zheng, if you want to adopt her, then let's get divorced! If you want to go back, then go back enthusiastically!

"Xiaoyu, kowtow."

I immediately knelt and kowtowed to grandfather.

And added: "Since we're cutting ties, I won't call you grandfather anymore."

"Xiaoyu, what nonsense are you talking about!" My father became anxious.

My mother's emotions were intense: "Which of you father and son dares touch my child again, I'll fight you with my life!"

My mother held me in her arms, her eyes tearing up as she choked out: "I can't even bear to hit him myself, so how dare you hit him! And you slapped him so hard across the face without regard for consequences! What gives you the right!

"You have a son too—if you want to hit someone, hit your own!"

After saying this, my mother took me and left.

Chapter 5

On the way, I helped wipe the tears from my mother's eyes.

My mother asked if it hurt, if I had ringing in my ears, did I need to go to the hospital?

I shook my head and said I was fine.

Then I asked my mother: "Mom, do you know why I reacted so strongly to adopting my cousin?"

My mother smiled and shook her head: "This matter concerns you too, so you have a say. As long as you're unwilling, Mom will respect your opinion."

I also smiled, but the smile quickly faded.

Because I thought of our family's tragic state after being poisoned in my previous life.

It could be described as bleeding from all seven orifices—too horrible to look at.

"Mom, do you believe that after death, people can sometimes be reborn into the past?"

My mother was slightly taken aback, not understanding what I meant.

I continued on my own.

"Actually, I'm a reincarnator.

"After adopting my cousin in our previous life, our family lived in constant suffering, and we were harmed until our entire family died.

"My cousin has congenital heart disease, very severe. To save her, we spent almost all our family's savings.

"And my second uncle didn't die at all—he faked his death to trick us into treating his daughter's illness, and incidentally harm us to take everything we had.

"If you don't believe me, you can verify it—see if my second uncle is really dead or not."

My mother's eyes grew wider and wider.

Before my mother could ask further, her phone rang.

It was my father calling. He had caught up with the bus in his car and wanted to pick us up.

My mother glanced at me, and I silently nodded, as if in agreement.

We got off at the next stop together.

After getting off the bus and getting into our family's car, my mother spoke directly.

"Go back to the hometown. Your brother died—we should at least see him one last time."

My father nodded approvingly, but then thought: "Didn't Dad say he was buried directly?"

"There must be a mourning hall, right? Their family isn't so poor that they can't even handle funeral arrangements. They couldn't have had the accident, sent him to the crematorium, and then buried him directly."

My father thought about it and realized that was indeed the case.

He turned the car around and went back.

On the way, my father didn't dare mention a word about adoption.

He only asked me a few times if it hurt.

When we arrived, our family discovered in shock that the red lanterns my second uncle's family had hung for Chinese New Year were still up.

It didn't look at all like someone had died.

Coincidentally, a neighboring aunt was wandering in the alley, and my mother quickly went up to ask.

"Auntie, I heard Lin Xuan died in a car accident, is that right?!"

"Oh my, when did this happen!" The aunt looked more shocked than we were, almost jumping up.

I went up and added fuel to the fire: "It happened this morning."

"Oh my, oh my, this is so sudden, this... ah!!" The aunt forced out a few tears and quickly left.

Unless something unexpected happened, the news of my second uncle's death would probably spread throughout the village within half an hour.

Let's see how you show your face now!

Fake death? I'll make you truly dead in the villagers' eyes!

Chapter 6

"Come to your senses?"

Just at that moment, grandfather returned.

Seeing my father taking down the lanterns, he quickly asked: "What are you doing!"

"The person is dead, why are red lanterns still hanging? People will laugh us to death if this gets out!"

"Grandfather, I've already called people to help. My second uncle didn't have it easy in this life. Since he's finally dead, he should at least have eight suona horns, right?"

"Yes, Dad, I've also helped find the cook. Do you want to handle it or should we? Whoever handles it gets the gift money." My mother smiled.

But when grandfather heard this, he immediately became furious: "You came back not to take the child? Why do you need to worry about the funeral arrangements!"

"Oh, my nephew..."

"Lin Xuan... my good nephew-in-law..."

Before grandfather could chase us away, the mourning procession arrived.

Besides the mourners and those looking for free food, there were also those who quickly came to watch the excitement. In no time, the yard was crowded with people.

Everyone was discussing and lamenting my second uncle's untimely death.

But after crying for a while, everyone realized something wasn't right.

Where were the coffin, the mourning hall, the wreaths?

I glanced at grandfather and saw him visibly panicked, standing there rubbing his hands, not knowing what to do.

He didn't know whether he should arrange this funeral for his most beloved child.

Or just admit directly that his son wasn't dead.

But I wouldn't give him that chance. Dead is dead—a man's word is his bond.

Before grandfather could speak, I immediately jumped out and said: "My second uncle died in a car accident. He was sent to the crematorium and will be back soon.

"The trumpets and suonas will arrive soon, the mourning tent and cook are on the way too. Everyone please be patient, thank you."

Grandfather stared at me in disbelief.

I suppressed my laughter and shook my head to indicate he shouldn't stand on ceremony.

Since you can't make the decision, I'll make it for you!

Within an hour, the suonas, mourning tent, and cook all arrived. Now grandfather was caught in a dilemma—my second uncle would have to be dead even if he wasn't!

To keep up the lie, it really exhausted my grandfather's old bones. I don't know where he managed to hire a hearse and even got an urn.

But just as grandfather was about to carry the urn down, I suddenly waved my hand: "Stop!

"Where's my second uncle's daughter? Why haven't we seen her for so long? The one carrying the urn should be his own daughter!"

At this, grandfather really panicked: "Ruyan is still young, don't trouble her. I'm afraid she can't accept it."

Hehe, unable to accept it—that's true.

Because at this time, Liu Ruyan didn't know her father had planned a fake death conspiracy.

But I think what grandfather feared most was that she couldn't handle it.

After all, severe congenital heart disease! She can't handle stimulation!

But this time, I had to get her here, to avenge my previous life!

Chapter 7

As it happened, I had my long-uncontacted cousin's phone number, so I immediately took out my phone to call her.

"Grandfather, you absolutely can't keep this a secret for such a big matter, otherwise she'll blame you in the end."

While I was speaking, grandfather suddenly rushed over and snatched my phone.

"Don't call, Ruyan... she's in class!"

"What class at a time like this!"

I was young and strong, so I directly used brute force to snatch my phone back, so forcefully that I almost made my grandfather fall flat on his face.

Let you hit me earlier—this is light!

Before grandfather could make another move, I quickly dialed the number, but the other line was constantly busy.

As I turned, I saw a figure flash outside the crowd—wasn't that my supposedly deceased second uncle?

He was holding a phone, hurrying outside.

It looked like he was trying to call his daughter before me, to get their stories straight.

I glanced at my mother, signaling with my eyes.

My mother also noticed something suspicious, pressed her lips together slightly, and immediately went to find my father.

Liu Ruyan's phone was busy for over twenty minutes before I got through.

"Cousin, your father has passed away. Hurry home!"

Unexpectedly, as soon as I hung up, Liu Ruyan came running from afar with fake crying—loud thunder but small raindrops.

"Father, my father!"

Chapter 8

She still had makeup on her face—she must have just come from some girlfriend's house.

Seeing this, everyone quickly told her to wash the makeup off her face first, then go inside to put on mourning clothes.

While she was doing that, I walked over to my parents.

"Second uncle called her in advance."

"Son, are you sure what you saw was really your second uncle?"

My father asked me in disbelief.

My mother glared at him forcefully and said angrily: "You'd believe anyone but your own son, is that it?"

My father immediately clenched his fists: "That bastard, just watch me expose him now!"

Seeing my father's temper rise, my mother quickly stopped him: "How will you expose him? Open the coffin for an autopsy? He's already ashes—how can you examine him?"

"Then I can't just let him make such a scene, forcing me to raise his child!"

"Are you all brawn and no brains? If he wants you to raise the child, you have to? Just refuse directly!"

My father then managed to suppress his emotions somewhat and nodded in agreement.

The rest of the funeral proceeded without major issues, except for Liu Ruyan's fake crying as a daughter—everything else was fine.

Naturally, the village elders didn't hold back their gossip, saying this daughter wasn't worth raising.

Liu Ruyan's mental fortitude was also quite strong—her attitude was basically "say what you want, I'll do what I want."

But unexpectedly, just before the burial the next day, grandfather took advantage of the crowd and staged an on-the-spot coercion.

Chapter 9

Just before the coffin was to be moved, grandfather suddenly knelt before my parents.

"Eldest son, daughter-in-law, you see your brother is gone, your sister-in-law has run away, and now only Ruyan is left. As her uncle, you absolutely can't ignore this!"

"Uncle, aunt, please take care of me, give me food to eat, as long as I don't starve to death, please."

Liu Ruyan was always good at seizing opportunities. Seeing this, she also fell to her knees with a thud.

The villagers began to discuss among themselves. Some wiped tears saying how pitiful, while others thought bringing this up now was somewhat inappropriate.

My father was about to speak, but my mother, afraid of revealing something, directly answered for him.

"Dad, please get up first. We can discuss this matter later. Don't miss the auspicious time."

"No, Lin Xuan's only concern before he died was Ruyan. If this matter isn't resolved, he definitely won't rest in peace."

I stood to the side and cleverly asked: "Grandfather, wasn't second uncle directly killed in the accident? He was sent straight to the crematorium. Did he appear to you in a dream?"

Grandfather's face instantly darkened: "You little bastard, what nonsense are you talking about! Do you know what kind of occasion this is!"

"What's wrong with what my son said? Is there a problem?" My father suddenly couldn't hold back.

As the two sides were about to clash, my mother quickly took over again.

"Dad, my second sister-in-law running away is definitely not right. She has the obligation to raise the child.

"How about this—let's report it to the police first. If the police really can't find her, then we'll adopt Ruyan, how about that?"

Hearing this, everyone felt this made sense.

The child isn't without both parents—her mother, although she ran away, should be the first person responsible.

Otherwise, what if we raise her for ten or twenty years, and she suddenly returns to claim kinship?

Even between brothers, you can't be so casual about adopting a child.

Besides, this child isn't exactly a toddler either.

These words directly blocked grandfather's path of moral blackmail.

He wanted to say something, but couldn't find any excuse.

Including Liu Ruyan, who was kneeling beside him.

And I适时 added another sentence.

"I already disagreed with splitting half of my family affection with her. If later we can't find my aunt and she wants to come to our house, she can't create any burden for our family.

"Before the adoption, she must have a medical examination. If she has any illnesses, it has nothing to do with our family—we also need to live."

My parents nodded repeatedly, agreeing with what I said.

My grandfather looked at me in disbelief.

I could tell he probably guessed that I knew something.

But at this point, what could he do?

He could only nod in agreement.

Only then did they begin to move the coffin for burial.

Chapter 10

After "burying" my second uncle, we originally planned to report to the police to find my aunt, but grandfather didn't agree.

This old man was more cunning than anyone, clearly aware that since I already knew about Liu Ruyan's illness, there was no need to continue pretending.

So after the villagers and relatives had left, he immediately started putting on airs.

"Daughter-in-law, where are the gift money? Give me whatever you collected."

My mother heard this and said with a smile: "Dad, I bought all the supplies. I already told you at the beginning—whoever handles the event collects the gift money."

Grandfather immediately put on a stern face: "I'm just an old bag of bones, and you're going to haggle with me over this bit of money?

"I raised your husband to this age—does that mean you should pay me back for all the money I spent on him?"

My father took a deep breath: "Dad, don't say such things. Let's calculate things properly."

"Why shouldn't I say it? As a son, you have the duty to support me, right? But before I even asked you for money or effort, you treat me like this—what hope can I have!"

"Support is one thing, but you can't keep blackmailing me.

"Let me ask you, how much did you spend on me over the years?"

My father's words left grandfather speechless.

At least I had heard some of these stories.

Second uncle was clever and sweet-talking from a young age, and as the youngest in the family, he was naturally spoiled.

But my father was dull—three strikes couldn't get a fart out of him—and could only sit on the sidelines from childhood.

Even when my father got good grades in high school, my grandfather wouldn't let him go to college, insisting that second uncle should go instead.

Not only that, before marriage, all the money my father earned had to be handed over.

At that time, my father naively thought it was being saved for his bride price, but when it came time to marry, he couldn't get a single cent out.

Even my parents' marital home was built with money they scraped together themselves.

And my second uncle, who married only half a year after my father, grandfather generously spent 250,000 and helped build a house—they were middle-class from the moment they married!

My parents were very dissatisfied at the time, and when they went to question him, they discovered that not only had the money not been given to them, that 250,000 was almost entirely earned by my father originally.

But even so, my parents endured it.

Just considered it fulfilling their filial duties.

And the result? Years of being looked down upon, and now conspiring with my second uncle to trap our family!

My father, such a filial son, was now almost completely disheartened, speaking to grandfather without any respect.

Chapter 11

After the funeral was over, our family of three quickly returned to the city.

Now it was grandfather and my second uncle's family's turn to suffer.

A fake death didn't achieve the expected goal, and probably from now on, my second uncle wouldn't dare show his face in the village again.

I thought there would be some entertainment to watch.

But I never imagined that grandfather would go to such lengths for his favorite younger son—he even resorted to self-harm.

Less than a week after my second uncle's fake funeral, the hospital suddenly called saying grandfather had broken his leg and asked us to come pay the fees.

My father was stern and said directly that he didn't want to go.

But my mother felt that being caught in this matter would be problematic, so the family went to the hospital to check.

It turned out his right leg was really fractured.

Grandfather said he slipped and fell while going out to get water.

"Alas, I'm old, just a burden to you. I know you're busy, so how about this—help me hire a caregiver."

Grandfather immediately asked for a caregiver.

In reality, I understood his little tricks too well.

Currently, a caregiver costs at least 600 per day. If he stayed in the hospital for a hundred or eighty days, how much would that affect our family's finances?

The key point was that he wasn't thinking about a caregiver—he probably wanted to take the opportunity to raise funds for my second uncle's family.

After all, with this fake death incident, they couldn't return home, so that heartless couple must be renting a place outside.

Plus Liu Ruyan was seriously ill and awaiting treatment—they were definitely thinking of squeezing as much as possible from our family.

But I wouldn't give him any chance.

I spoke directly.

"My cousin's school is nearby, and she's about to be on vacation. Let my cousin watch over you, wouldn't that be fine?"

Grandfather immediately became angry: "What's wrong with you child? In just a few days, how many times have you been disobedient to me!"

"Grandfather, how have I been disobedient to you? I'm just stating facts."

"You know our family is poor—it's not easy to earn money. How much does a caregiver cost!"

Grandfather immediately put on airs: "I won't talk to you little bastard. Eldest son, you speak!"

My father didn't indulge him: "Xiaoyu is right."

Pfft—

Grandfather's face immediately turned iron-gray, looking like he was about to vomit blood.

"I'm your father! You treat me like this—can I even count on you for my old age!"

"You can count on me. Grandfather, listen to me—give my second uncle's house to my father, and my father will support you until death."

Pfft—

This time grandfather really spat out.

"You little bastard, you're cursing me!"

"I'm not cursing you. Look, my second uncle is dead, my aunt ran away. My cousin Ruyan might marry someday, and in the end, won't she have to rely on my father?"

"Then you little bastard, do you not know that Ruyan is the heir to my second uncle's property!"

"I know she's the primary heir, but you can't just inherit assets without inheriting responsibilities!"

Grandfather's eyes grew wider and wider, looking like he was about to get up and hit me.

The corners of my mouth slowly turned up as I took out 100 yuan and placed it on the table.

"Grandfather, this is your grandson's token of appreciation. It should be able to pay for one more day of IV fluids."

"Get out! Get lost!"

Grandfather roared in anger and chased us out.

Chapter 12

That evening, I discovered that our family was being attacked online.

Liu Ruyan was crying online, coming out with an exposé.

She voluntarily admitted that she was seriously ill but that no one would care for her, leaving her to wait for death.

Before anyone could comment, she started asking and answering her own questions.

【My father died in a car accident, my mother ran away, only my grandfather and I are left to depend on each other. Now my grandfather has also broken a leg and is still being treated in the hospital. What should I do?】

【Don't you have any relatives?】

An obviously fake account with no history replied.

Liu Ruyan immediately picked up on it and directed the fire toward us.

【I have an uncle and aunt, but their family isn't well-off either. My illness requires huge expenses. My uncle said that if I want to be registered with their family, I must first be cured of my illness, heh heh...】

Those last two sarcastic "heh heh" directly plunged our family into online bullying.

The mindless keyboard warriors completely ignored logic and immediately declared us guilty.

They said we were from the same root, sharing the same blood, yet we were so cold to our closest relatives—truly not worthy of being human, and so on.

My parents were furious and wanted to fight back online.

Seeing this, I immediately stopped them.

If it's about making up stories, I can do that too.

I immediately responded online under my real name.

【We've been afraid of poverty for over a decade. When our family was poor, even my grandfather looked down on us, not even letting us eat at the table.

【Now that our family is doing a little better, something like this happens. I admit we're timid, but without money, we really can't hold our heads up.

【And my mother has already declared in front of many people that if my aunt really can't be found, or if she appears and publicly declares she has severed ties with my cousin, our family is willing to raise her.】

These three short sentences instantly turned the tables.

Netizens aren't stupid—with a biological mother, they should look to her first.

Relying entirely on a poor uncle—what kind of logic is that?

They not only stopped cursing us but turned around to mock Liu Ruyan, saying she should focus on finding her biological mother.

Liu Ruyan naturally wouldn't go after her biological mother.

But I love helping people so much.

I immediately posted my aunt's photo online.

I told everyone: 【Hello everyone, this is my aunt. Their family used to be very wealthy, spending money like water.

【After my second uncle fell on hard times, my aunt immediately changed, staying out day and night.

【On the day my second uncle died in the car accident, she disappeared without a trace.

【Please, fellow netizens, show your skills and find her quickly. Tell her that my cousin is still waiting for her to save her life.】

For a moment, online public opinion reached a climax.

The entire internet was looking for 【#Wang Suzhen#】.

Because I had criticized her character, netizens began doxxing my aunt.

Within two days, information about my aunt was dug up.

Chapter 13

I think Liu Ruyan must hate me—after all, I spread rumors about her mother, causing her to be condemned by the entire internet.

But I can only say she deserves it—she brought it on herself.

My aunt was found, so now let's see how you continue this act.

But I never imagined they could be so shameless.

My aunt spoke out directly online.

【I can't afford my daughter's medical treatment. I hereby announce that I am severing mother-daughter ties with Liu Ruyan. From now on, we have no relationship.】

The moment my aunt issued this statement, she was bombarded with curses.

But she had thick skin—after the statement, no matter how the netizens provoked her, she maintained a "dead pig isn't afraid of boiling water" attitude.

Liu Ruyan also tried to morally blackmail me.

She shouted from afar.

【Uncle, aunt, cousin, please, I beg you to save me.】

By this point, the netizens could only join in, begging my family to show mercy and save Liu Ruyan.

Facing such public pressure, my parents were at a loss for a moment.

But I wasn't worried at all.

I immediately announced that we would save Liu Ruyan.

My parents thought I had been driven crazy by the netizens.

I smiled and told the netizens that to save someone, we must first sell a house.

Their family still had a house in their hometown—they weren't completely destitute.

So I took advantage of the overwhelming public pressure to make Liu Ruyan contribute their family's old house.

The house was indeed a drop in the bucket compared to the astronomical medical costs for treatment—I knew this, but it didn't matter.

I directly had my parents sell my second uncle's house, using that money to first give Liu Ruyan a checkup and begin the first stage of treatment.

At the hospital, I could see Liu Ruyan's overjoyed expression—she didn't show any suffering from illness, only the joy of a successful scheme.

Including grandfather after he was discharged—he wore a completely "you've been fooled" gloating face.

Just as they thought their wicked scheme had succeeded and were laughing happily, I turned around and flipped on them online.

Chapter 14

【I regretfully and angrily inform everyone that our family has been deceived.

【My second uncle didn't die at all! He faked his death because he didn't want to bear my cousin's medical expenses, so he staged this fake death drama.】

Our family treating Liu Ruyan had already caused quite a stir and attracted considerable attention.

So when my reversal came out, online public opinion caused a wave of shock.

Everyone left messages asking what was going on.

I didn't say much, using the same trick again, and posted my second uncle's photo online.

The netizens exploded—some said they had seen my second uncle on the street.

I don't know if these netizens were serious or just seeking attention, but I could be certain that since my second uncle wasn't dead, there would be cracks.

I didn't know other details, but I knew this group of netizens would probably start doxxing my second uncle's family again.

And at this critical moment, grandfather and Liu Ruyan directly burst into our home, asking what I meant by posting online.

Our family of three unleashed a full counterattack.

"Grandfather, stop pretending. You've been exposed."

"Dad, do you not understand what Xiaoyu means? Oppressing our family is one thing, but I never thought you'd commit fraud! Am I not your biological son!"

Grandfather was stunned, then said angrily: "Nonsense! Absolute nonsense!"

Liu Ruyan questioned me like a madwoman: "My father is already dead, yet you posted his picture online to insult him. I demand you delete it immediately!"

I shrugged: "My good cousin, your father actually didn't die. I helped you find him, and you're blaming me?"

Liu Ruyan was rendered speechless by my words, instantly losing her temper.

Just as we were at a stalemate, my phone rang.

"Look, news has arrived."

I excitedly opened my phone, but was stunned by what I saw. I hadn't expected the following news to be so explosive.

My second uncle was really dead—hit by a car and mangled beyond recognition!

Chapter 15

Everyone saw my expression change and quickly gathered around.

Seeing the image on my phone, grandfather burst into loud sobs on the spot, while Liu Ruyan covered her chest and rolled her eyes, collapsing straight to the ground.

They were sent to the hospital, while I hurried to verify if the news was true.

The result—it was confirmed!

Heaven truly has eyes!

My second uncle had been doxxed, and after being recognized, he hastily dodged traffic and ran a red light, resulting in being hit by an oncoming truck and thrown dozens of meters, dying on the spot!

Hiss—!

This was truly immediate retribution.

But then another piece of news followed.

Liu Ruyan was also gone!

She couldn't accept my second uncle's sudden death and went into cardiac arrest. They arrived too late and couldn't save her.

Two consecutive deaths made me think I was dreaming.

I quickly pinched myself to verify.

It hurt.

No doubt about it.

Heaven has opened its eyes!

When I returned to my grandfather's hometown, two coffins were placed in the courtyard. My aunt was crying hysterically, fainting several times.

Grandfather, like a madman, charged toward me.

"You plague, return my son, return my granddaughter!"

I didn't hesitate for a moment, dodged, and secretly stuck out my foot. My grandfather fell flat on his face, hitting his mouth and nose so hard they bled.

Then, facing the live stream audience, I said: "I'm sorry everyone, I couldn't hold back. Because he was the mastermind behind all this.

"Although he's my grandfather, I won't forgive him."

The live stream erupted, with some even suggesting I directly disable my grandfather.

But others advised that cursing was one thing, but we shouldn't break the law.

Chapter 16

I silently lit an incense stick and placed it in the incense burner.

Netizens said I was soft-hearted—why burn incense for these two heartless people.

They didn't know that fragrant smoke connects all realms—how else would I contact them without burning incense?

I cleared my throat:

"Uncle, cousin, the house is sold, the illness is treated, no regrets. Rest in peace."

Behind me, there was a thud.

My grandfather had fainted.

When he was sent to the hospital, the doctor shook his head and told us to take him home.

Cause of death: acute myocardial infarction.

Great, now there was another coffin in the family.

This time, they were all real deaths.

As for my aunt.

This time she really ran away—after crying, she disappeared.

I sincerely started another live stream.

I asked fellow netizens to help call my aunt home, to at least watch her husband and daughter be buried.

After closing the live stream.

I looked at the coffins with cold laughter.

Aunt, I hope you can hold up.

If you can't.

I won't pay for this fourth coffin either.

On my second uncle's seventh day memorial, I presided over the arrangement for the three to be buried.

I returned home with my parents.

From now on, I probably won't return here again.

I will live well and cherish this extra opportunity.