Reborn in the 1980s: I became a stepmother in the 1980s

Part 173 Counter-kill

Destroying a child's future is too harsh, and it would make it seem like the Si family was behind this.

They had raised Si Nian for many years, and they should be able to handle such matters. They couldn't let her make this decision on her own.

Si Nian replied, "Uncle and Aunt, I'm not going to the police station. If you want to go, go ahead. The police have said that Lin Wei is not only involved in petty theft but also has violent tendencies. He's a dangerous person and a menace to society. Such individuals have a high crime rate and need to be sent to reform. I firmly want to distance myself from someone who harms even their own family members and has violent tendencies. If you want to help him, that's up to you. After all, you're from a military family. Even if you help him get out, and he commits crimes again, no one would dare to challenge or report you."

Si Father and Si Mother were stunned, their faces paling as they grasped the gravity of the situation.

Their special status in the military made them vulnerable to scrutiny. Si Nian's words struck a nerve, and they realized the potential repercussions if they were perceived as intervening on behalf of Lin Wei.

Si Father hurriedly retorted, "What nonsense! We never said we would help him. This is your family matter; we have no business interfering!"

Si Nian responded with a weary smile, "But wasn't the intention to get you to help? If you don't, Aunt Wang will be very disappointed."

Wang Cui's frustration was palpable as she seethed silently, feeling thwarted by Si Nian's firm stance.

Wang Cui gritted her teeth. "You're making this sound way more serious than it is. It's just a matter of making things easier, yet you're turning it into a big problem. It's clear you don't want to listen to your parents!"

Si Father and Si Mother exchanged worried glances, their skepticism mounting as they looked at Si Nian.

Si Nian sighed deeply, her voice laden with sorrow. "Aunt Wang, you may dismiss this as exaggeration, but the police have already conducted their investigation. If we suddenly change our stance, it might look like we're using connections to cover up for Lin Wei. The authorities might even investigate my adoptive parents. I don't care about myself, but they've supported me for years. How can I risk their reputation and future just to placate you?"

She continued, "My adoptive father is up for a promotion. If he's caught up in this scandal at such a crucial moment..."

Si Nian fell silent after saying this.

Indeed, upon hearing these words, Si Father's face turned ashen!

He had been waiting for a promotion for a long time and had complained about it to his family several times. He even had Si Nian go to the Si family and speak to General Fu about it.

Due to competitors, his promotion had been delayed.

Now, with the upcoming marriage into the Fu family, he was confident that no one would dare to challenge him.

If something went wrong at this critical moment and evidence were found, it would be disastrous!

He gasped in shock, his gaze towards Si Nian shifting to one of gratitude and relief.

Amidst these emotions, there was also a tinge of guilt.

After all, this was a child he had raised for over a decade. Although he had doubts about her now, she wasn't angry; instead, she was wholeheartedly thinking about his interests.

Si Father felt like a fool.

He then heard Si Nian say, "Of course, if my adoptive parents are willing to cover the medical and emotional damages for my parents, this matter can be resolved easily. After all, we're all relatives, and we wouldn't want to make things worse. We certainly won't push for your son to go to prison. The police have said that if you cover the compensation, this matter will be settled."

Upon hearing that compensation was required, Zhang Cui-mei's face turned green.

She wasn't a big benefactor, so why should she pay for Lin Dabe's family?

Not to mention that the two families had no real connection!

They had only spoken up because they pitied her son's potential imprisonment.

She immediately distanced herself, saying, "As long as he doesn't have to go to jail, the rest is up to you to handle. We won't get involved."

In the end, it still came down to paying compensation.

Wang Cui was so angry she felt like her heart and lungs were burning.

Si Nian said with a sad expression, "I'm not asking for much, just three hundred yuan. The doctor said my mom will need to stay in the hospital for a while. She injured her bones, and as everyone knows, it takes about a hundred days to heal from such injuries. If Auntie doesn't want to pay, then we'll have to ask my adoptive parents for help."

Si Father and Si Mother were taken aback and stepped back.

"What are you talking about? We agreed on paying, not on helping out. We can't handle this kind of thing. It's better if they pay for it themselves," Si Father said.

Si Nian nodded and said, "I appreciate that you understand. I support your decision."

Si Father and Si Mother sighed in relief.

Wang Cui was left speechless.

In the end, Wang Cui, fuming with anger, left with a dark expression.

......

Si Father and Si Mother felt quite embarrassed. They had just insisted that Si Nian get her cousin released, and now, feeling uneasy, they didn't stay long. They hurriedly left a note: "Nian Nian, the wedding of Si Si and Fu Yang is the day after tomorrow. If it's convenient for you and your husband, please come over for a meal."

Si Nian said with discomfort, "Such a grand wedding? But I've already spent all my money on my mom's medical expenses. I don't have any left for a nice outfit. I'm afraid I'd embarrass you if I show up without proper clothes, so maybe I shouldn't go."

Si Father and Si Mother, who cared a lot about appearances, immediately said, "How can that be? It's just a dress. I'll give you some money to buy a nice one. Get a good suit for your husband too, alright?"

Si Father started to pull out a large sum of money, but Si Nian sighed and said, "I heard a small dress costs ten yuan now. I really don't want to buy it; it's too expensive. Plus, if I buy a dress, I'd also need shoes and a hairstyle. Otherwise, I'd look shabby and make people laugh."

Si Father hesitated for a moment, gritted his teeth, and pulled out another two large bills.

Si Nian continued, almost to herself, "Men's suits are also very expensive. Maybe we should just..."

"Enough, fifty yuan should be enough, right?"

Si Father handed over the five large bills with great reluctance, feeling quite pained.

He couldn't help but notice that every time he came to visit this adopted daughter, he ended up spending a significant amount of money.

Half a month's salary had just disappeared.

The more Si Father thought about it, the more he felt the sting.

Unexpectedly, Si Nian added, "But we also need to bring some gifts. We can't afford anything nice, so if we don't bring something, will the Fu family think..."

In the end, Si Father, with a grim expression, handed over a hundred yuan and left the hospital, feeling very pained.