Chapter 10: Secured

Li Qi took a half step back, retreating completely into the corridor, and looked at his eldest brother with contempt.

“What’s the matter? Feeling ashamed now? What were you thinking when you took the money? Dad took care of me and our younger brother—what kind of life have we lived these past three years? Pants with holes had to be patched by our eldest sister; shoes worn through but no money to replace them; the soles of the little brother’s shoes were practically gone, and he had chilblains on his feet, soaking them in saltwater every night, crying out in pain. The three of us couldn’t even afford a pair of cotton gloves each—when the wind blew hard, our hands were cracked and bleeding. Dad’s old bicycle worked everywhere except the bell, which never rang; its frame was rusted through, and even the scrap collectors wouldn’t take it out of pity. All because you stole the money Mom left behind! If you don’t hand it over today, I’ll go straight to Principal Teng to settle this, and then to the police!”

As Li Qi spoke, his heart ached with every word. His eldest brother was utterly despicable—no human being could behave like this. Planning to buy a diploma in the south, wanting his wife to wear white mink—what a joke! Today, he would drain Li Peng dry; he wouldn’t let him off that easily.

Li Peng saw the teachers standing at the office door, watching the commotion, and his younger brother stiffening his neck, ready to confront the principal. Panic seized him. If this escalated to the principal’s office or the police station, what would become of his future? Principal Teng often praised him as honest and simple-minded, a good man from the countryside, which was why he had been promoted. If this matter reached the principal’s ears, his carefully cultivated image would be utterly destroyed.

At this moment, he hated Li Qi with a burning passion—how dare that little bastard defy him? He was the eldest son, the most successful in the family; the money should rightfully be his. Hadn’t it always been that way? What right did Li Qi have to complain? Yet he couldn’t allow Li Qi to make a scene here, so he swallowed his anger and spoke in a softer tone.

“Third brother, stop making a fuss here. Don’t you see where we are? Go home quickly. I’ll take a leave and come over later. I’ll explain everything clearly to you and Dad. Besides, yesterday’s matter isn’t over yet.”

Li Qi looked at his eldest brother and broke off all hope in him. Yesterday’s matter? That guy was still thinking about breaking his back? What was the use of talking about family love then?

At that thought, Li Qi suddenly raised his voice.

“Big Brother Li, don’t talk nonsense. The two thousand yuan Mom left behind was shamelessly taken by you. You let the three of us almost starve and freeze to death without giving a penny. Today, I must find someone to stand up for me. I’m going to see Principal Teng, I’m going to the police station, even to the Education Bureau to beg the leaders for justice! If you don’t give it to me, II'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.