This sum was enough to build an entire Western-style house in the countryside, but it ended up being wasted as her brother Wang Gang had lost everything gambling away this money.
Li Jinhua was harsh on herself but excessively indulgent towards her son. She saved all the good food and drinks for Wang Gang and sent back the money that Wang Shu earned.
Wang Gang, who was only four years younger than her, never worked during those years; she had to support him. Three years ago, he started dating a girlfriend and insisted on getting married, but she demanded eighteen thousand yuan as a dowry and a two-story Western-style house in the countryside. Wang Gang fell deeply under her spell and agreed to anything.
When he came back asking for money from Li Jinhua, she had already been completely drained of any savings.
Wang Gang was furious and decided to target Wang Shu next, suggesting that she marry an old man around forty years old. He promised thirty thousand yuan as a dowry, which would solve his marriage problem.
Li Jinhua, being indulgent towards her son, agreed without hesitation and found a pretext for Wang Shu to return home, intending to force the issue.
Wang Shu got into an argument with Li Jinhua at home but was eventually locked up. She managed to sneak out of the house later on, narrowly escaping this predicament.
Since then, she had not returned to her hometown; three years ago, she even left for another country, sending money home every month but never revealing her new address.
She knew that Li Jinhua and Wang Gang were constantly searching for her, so she lived in constant fear. She was surprised they found her after just three years.
"Why did you get my phone number?" Wang Shu asked coldly, unclear about the emotions swirling within her. She knew that once Li Jinhua had located her, there was no way she would let her go easily.
But she was really curious; why could Li Jinhua find her so quickly after just returning?
"Mind your own business, you little slut! Three years ago, when you ran away, it nearly drove me to my limits." Li Jinhua's anger flared as she recalled that incident. "I'll tell you this once: tomorrow I will come looking for you. If you run again, be prepared for the consequences."
"Running?" Wang Shu laughed coldly. "Are you waiting for me to marry that old fool?"
Wang Shu felt a mix of emotions; looking around the room, Xiao Qi was still sleeping. She felt relieved.
For years, she had been living abroad, and Li Jinhua couldn't do anything about it. But she knew that as soon as she returned, Li Jinhua would not let her go easily.
Knowing their current relationship, if Li Jinhua found out, she would certainly hound them relentlessly.
If Li Jinhua also discovered Xiao Qi's good financial condition, Wang Shu's brother and Li Jinhua would beg Xiao Qi for money.
No matter how rich Xiao Qi was, it couldn't fill the hole in her family.
Wang Shu made up her mind as she sighed into the phone. "Rest assured; this time I won't run away again. But Li Jinhua, I'm not the same person I used to be. If you dare to treat me like before, don't blame me for being rude."
She laughed coldly and said into the phone, "Forget about being my mother; even if it's the king of all kings, if I suffer, you won't fare any better. And your son too!"
"YOU SLUT!" Li Jinhua cursed loudly, but Wang Shu simply hung up the call.