Chapter 39: The Jiang Family’s Comeuppance! Their Days Are Numbered

Lu Fan was taken aback by this scene; he had assumed the Jiang family had mobilized so many people to cause him trouble.

He was still wondering—having already left the marriage with nothing—could it be that the Jiang family had come for Xiao You?

To think they didn’t want him to divorce? Had the sun risen in the west?

"Matriarch, I understand your feelings, but it was Miss Jiang who initiated this divorce," Lu Fan said, explaining with forced patience.

Old Mrs. Jiang quickly said, "Ruxue was deceived by that scoundrel from the Shen family. She was drunk at the time. You two have been married for five years; how could you divorce just because of a drunken remark?"

Lu Fan held out the hand that had once been injured. "In order to force me to divorce Miss Jiang, you’ve all forgotten about the time I was whipped? I remember that the old master was in favor of the divorce back then. Everyone in the Jiang family, except for you, was urging us to get it over with. Now that I’ve done as you wished, you say we shouldn't divorce. Aren't you the ones treating marriage like a child's game?"

The Jiang family had assumed that since they had come in person, the mild-tempered Lu Fan would surely agree. They had not expected his attitude to be so firm.

"Being the son-in-law of the Jiang family is a favor to you; don't be ungrateful!"

Old Master Jiang’s tone was like that of a benefactor bestowing charity, assuming Lu Fan was still as easily manipulated as he had been five years ago.

"Tomorrow, go to the Civil Affairs Bureau with Ruxue and withdraw the divorce application."

Lu Fan stood in the center of the room, his spine straight. "I'm sorry, I can't do that."

Jiang Ruxue bit her lip, only then speaking up to look at him. "Lu Fan, do you hate me that much? Clearly, the day before the divorce, you even went out to buy my favorite snacks. How could you change so suddenly?"

"Miss Jiang, I don't hate you."

"Then why must we divorce? I have already conceded and tried to make amends; what more do you want?"

Even now, Jiang Ruxue remained under the impression that her slightest concession was a profound grace bestowed upon Lu Fan. She had never looked at things from the perspective of the events themselves, as if it were only natural for her to enjoy Lu Fan's kindness, while he was required to accept all her commands.

Lu Fan shook his head. "I spent five years failing to move your heart. Our marriage has reached its end. Ruxue, you were the one who said we should part on good terms. People must look forward, and I have things I want to do. I don't want to waste any more time in an unhappy marriage."

Jiang’s father sneered coldly. "What ambitions can someone who spends his days hovering over a stove possibly have? What is it? Now that you've latched onto the Qin family, you look down on us and are in a hurry to be their son-in-law?"

Hearing the direct insult, Lu Fan no longer remained as tolerant as he once was. His voice was calm and his logic clear as he retorted:

"Five years ago, I saved Miss Jiang, and you made me marry her. I knew you were using me as a shield against misfortune, yet I married her without a word and took responsibility for her."

"For five years, I did my best to care for her and her daughter. Whether you insulted or mocked me, I thought that as long as I did my duty, it would be enough. Then you threw a divorce agreement at me, and I complied. I was even beaten before the divorce, and I had no complaints."

"Now you come to my home, speaking insolently, forcing us not to divorce. I know you look down on me, yet I have never flattered you, nor have I ever asked anything of you. Why must the Jiang family be so aggressive?"

Lu Fan’s gaze suddenly turned cold, sweeping over everyone present. "Or have I given you some kind of misconception that makes you think it’s acceptable to bully me however you please?"

His words tore away the last shred of the Jiang family's dignity. Only then did they realize that Lu Fan’s attitude toward them had changed.

"I owe the Jiang family nothing, so you have no right to impose any conditions on me."

The Jiang family suddenly realized that although they kept calling Lu Fan a live-in son-in-law, they had always been guarded against him. He used his entire monthly allowance of twenty thousand for household expenses. He had arrived alone, with no family for him to support. He hadn't taken any advantage of the Jiang family at all!

It was just that his usual good temper had caused them to overlook the fact that he, too, had a temper.

Offended by his defiance, Old Master Jiang’s expression changed instantly, and he slammed his hand onto the armrest of the sofa. "Is that any way to speak to your elders?"

"Old Master, you can't even handle it when I state a simple fact. Then who should I turn to regarding the many insults you’ve heaped on me over the years? I am a human being, not an object for you to vent your emotions on."

"I think you’ve truly grown wings, or perhaps you think that with the Qin family backing you, you can disregard us."

Lu Fan shook his head. "No, the Jiang family and the Qin family are the same in my eyes; nothing special. My mind is made up regarding the divorce. Please leave."

He truly was impervious to both soft and hard tactics. The Jiang family couldn't very well drag him to the Civil Affairs Bureau to withdraw the divorce application!

However, the matriarch spoke up at this moment: "Xiao Fan, you once said you would grant me one request. What if Grandma uses that request to ask you and Ruxue not to divorce?"

Lu Fan replied to her, "Matriarch, I advise you to save that condition. After all, compared to the divorce, there will be more important matters in the future where you will need to ask for my help. If you use it now, I fear you will regret it deeply."

Jiang Ruxue met his clear eyes, which seemed to see through everything, and felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

"What do you mean?"

Jiang’s father sneered. "Delusional. How could we ever need to beg you?"

Just then, Jiang’s mother received a phone call.

"What? We’re coming right now!"

Her face turned deathly pale. Everyone looked at her. "What happened? Why the fuss?"

Jiang’s mother said hurriedly, "Rushan is in trouble! His friend said he suddenly collapsed at a nightclub, and an ambulance has already taken him to the hospital!"

One must know that this youngest son was the most beloved of the Jiang family; even Jiang Ruxue had to step aside for him. Now that he was in trouble, everyone forgot about bothering Lu Fan. Even the matriarch was filled with anxiety and, for the first time, let go of Lu Fan to rush to the hospital.

Only Jiang Ruxue and Lu Fan were left, staring at each other. "Lu Fan, did you guess something?"

"Yes. Your brother doesn't have much time left. You should go to the hospital and see him."

After saying this, he calmly walked toward the kitchen, prepared to continue cooking for Xiao You.

Jiang Ruxue, however, chased after him in her high heels. "Lu Fan, explain yourself! What is wrong with my brother? He was perfectly full of energy during Grandma’s birthday banquet!"

Lu Fan sliced the ginger with practiced ease. His knife skills were excellent; each slice was perfectly thin and uniform. He remembered how Jiang Ruxue had never trusted his medical skills in the past, so he did not explain: "The doctors will tell you."

Jiang Ruxue hurried to the hospital, where the Jiang family was extremely worried. "Doctor, what is wrong with my grandson?"

The doctor brought out the scans. "A brain tumor is pressing on his nerves. He needs further examination, but it is preliminarily determined to be a malignant tumor."

Upon hearing the words "malignant tumor," the matriarch fainted on the spot.

Just then, the butler suddenly spoke up: "By the way, two days ago, the son-in-law said the young master was ill and told him to go to the hospital for a check-up immediately. Could it be that he had seen it all along?"