Chapter 440: Chen Shi Hasn’t Changed
“Yes, yes, my father is right! Even though Second Uncle is the city lord of Luo City, his responsibilities are far greater than ours. If it weren’t for his kindness in allowing us to pay rent every three months, we wouldn’t have been able to open this teahouse at all. Business may be slow compared to before, but at least we have food on the table and aren’t suffering in some cave during these harsh winter months. That alone is a blessing. Of course, we should pay the rent! Xiao Luo, Second Uncle, don’t listen to my grandfather and mother. My father is the one in charge of this shop.”
It turned out that Yu Shanhai wasn’t the only one who had misunderstood—so had Yu Chunmu.
Looking at this family, Yu Luo couldn’t help but feel relieved that at least a few of them were reasonable.
If all of Yu Liang’s second-branch relatives were as shameless as Yu Liang and Liu Lan, she wouldn’t have allowed them to establish their business in Luo City in the first place.
“Brother Chunmu, Uncle Shanhai, you misunderstood. If you want to stay in Luo City, business is business, and rent still applies. The reason my father and I are here today is to tell you some good news—Yu Family’s criminal status has been lifted. You are free to leave the wastelands and return to normal life.”
Yu Luo didn’t intend to keep them in suspense and delivered the news directly.
Liu Lan, who had been casually eating sunflower seeds behind the counter, suddenly froze mid-chew. The seeds no longer tasted good.
Yu Liang and his two grandsons also went stiff before a wave of joy overwhelmed them, tears welling up in their eyes.
Upon hearing the news, both husband and wife were overjoyed. Their reactions mirrored those of Yu Shanhai’s family.
Liu Lan, completely forgetting her past conflicts with Yu Luo, rushed forward and grabbed her arm, her face filled with overwhelming excitement.
“Really?! Xiao Luo, are you serious? Has Yu Family truly regained its freedom? Does this mean… we can go back?!”
Yu Shanhai and his son widened their eyes in disbelief, struggling to form a complete sentence out of sheer shock.
After leaving the second branch’s teahouse, Yu Luo and Yu Haojie headed to the third branch’s shop. Since Yu Shanhe’s business was tied to theirs, profits and investments were split equally, and the couple also received two additional stipends.
When the father-daughter duo arrived, the third branch’s family was just as overjoyed. They welcomed them warmly, serving tea, offering sweets, and eagerly entertaining them.
“Is it true? Xiao Luo, are you not joking?”
“Going back… we can finally go back. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that this day would come!”
A woman sitting near the entrance, cradling a baby in her arms, overheard the conversation from outside. As the realization of their newfound freedom sank in, she huddled near the stove, sobbing quietly while holding her child.
“We won’t be leaving. We’ve already grown attached to Luo City, but Uncle Yongcai, you don’t have to rush your decision. The snow won’t melt for a few more months, so take your time discussing it with your family before deciding.”
“Uncle Yongcai, Uncle Yongjun, why don’t you seem all that happy? We’ve regained our freedom! We’re no longer stuck in the wastelands!”
Yu Luo’s question made the two brothers nod solemnly, but Yu Qiang, who had been smoking his pipe in silence, took a deep drag, his expression heavy with thought.
Liu Lan, usually loud and brash, couldn’t stop her tears from falling.
When they were exiled, she had been heavily pregnant and had even given birth to her daughter in the freezing snow on the road.
Now, this sudden news of their exoneration made all of their previous suffering seem worth it.
With their business ties, it was only natural that Yu Luo and Yu Haojie would visit Yu Shanhe’s shop next.
Upon their arrival, the third branch’s family was thrilled, eagerly offering them refreshments.
“It’s true. The government likely only informed Yu Zhengqing’s family at first. If you want to return, you may have to wait a while longer. I’ll have someone inquire about the necessary paperwork for you.”
Yu Liang’s wrinkled face was already soaked with tears. His body trembled with excitement, his lips quivering as he tried to speak but struggled to form words.
Yu Shanhai, his voice shaking, finally managed to speak clearly.
“Xiao Luo, regaining our freedom is indeed a great joy. We all miss home and wish to return, but… but I can’t bear to leave the business in Luo City. Besides, you and your father aren’t leaving, are you? This city was built through your hard work. You wouldn’t just abandon it, right?”
Liu Lan was the first to shout in response.
“Yes! If we go back, we’ll have to go through multiple security checkpoints. Without proper documents, we’ll be detained before even reaching Pingyang City! I think it’s best to wait for the snow to melt before traveling. In the meantime, we’ll help you arrange the necessary paperwork.”
Yu Haojie nodded in agreement. “That’s right. It’s best to prepare everything properly. Otherwise, you might get stuck along the way. We’ll handle the paperwork for you.”
Hearing this, the second branch’s family, teary-eyed, nodded in gratitude.
As Yu Luo looked at their hopeful expressions, she smiled and reassured them.
Chen Shi, however, was another story entirely.
“This Chen Shi is truly despicable. If Xiao Luo hadn’t gone to check, we would have remained in the dark about this.”
Su Suhua wiped away her tears of joy, her mood shifting to anger when she thought about Yu Zhengqing’s actions.
“You talk too much, woman! Chen Shi has always been like this. From the moment we were exiled, she never felt a shred of guilt. She remained as conniving as ever. Enough! Being brothers with Yu Zhengqing was my bad luck. If they want to return and enjoy their luxurious lives, let them. When we go back, we should formally sever ties with them at the government office. I don’t want to be dragged down again if they get themselves exiled once more!”
(End of Chapter 440)
