Chapter 645: Chapter 645: This Kind of Family Member Chapter 645: Chapter 645: This Kind of Family Member Lu Shao’s face always carried a smile, gentle and patient.

In contrast, Lu Zhu had a stern expression, devoid of any emotion on her face.

The sweet potato vendor, not understanding the situation, quietly offered some advice, “Family shouldn’t hold grudges; whatever issues there are, they can be talked out nicely.”

Suddenly, a student passing by came over.

“Lu Zhu, Yue Qingqing, what are you doing here? Evening self-study is about to start, why don’t you head back to the classroom?”

The speaker was Hui Jinhong, the class monitor.

Though diligent and sincere, she was somewhat rigid; her family was said to be both ‘red’ and ‘expert,’ and she always held herself to the standards of a progressive.

Qu Ruorui had heard about this class monitor’s reputation from other classes.

Lu Shao glanced at Lu Zhu’s expression and immediately introduced, “You must be Xiaozhu’s classmate. I’m her uncle, and I came with her grandma to persuade Xiaozhu to come home. This child has had some misunderstandings with the family before and holds grudges against us.”

Hui Jinhong immediately replied seriously, “That won’t do, Lu Zhu. ‘Lambs kneel for milk, and crows feed their parents.’ We can’t be angry with our family over minor things.”

Lu Zhu frowned, “This matter doesn’t involve you.”

“How could it not involve me? We’re classmates, and I can’t stand by and watch you take the wrong path.”

Lu Zhu wanted to say something else, but Yue Qingqing tugged at her sleeve.

Hui Jinhong’s temper was well known to everyone–never malintentioned, just a bit too dogmatic and pedantic.

Lu Zhu couldn’t reason with her.

As soon as the old Mrs. Lu saw someone talking, she immediately snorted, “Indeed, even sheep and crows know to respect their elders. Some people really are worse than animals.”

Lu Zhu detested arguing and her words came out rigidly, “Yes, I’m certainly not up to your standards.”

The old Mrs. Lu’s face instantly darkened like the bottom of a pot, and she opened her mouth to curse but was quickly held back by her eldest son.

Lu Shao sighed deeply, “You child, you really are exactly like your father.”

That person was the deepest wound in Lu Zhu’s heart, and being brought up so abruptly made Lu Zhu’s eyes instantly redden.

“Shut up, a person like you has no right to mention him!”

Lu Shao purposefully shook his head, “Back then, your father…”

Unable to hold back any longer, Lu Zhu clenched her teeth, wishing she could punch him.

A glint of sharpness flashed in Lu Shao’s eyes.

If today, in full view of everyone, Lu Zhu laid hands on an elder, she would naturally leave a bad impression.

People revisiting the conflict between the two families would naturally be biased.

However, Yue Qingqing suddenly took hold of Lu Zhu.

“Since you are Lu Zhu’s family, then as her roommate, I also have some questions I’d like to ask you.”

Lu Shao’s hopes were dashed, and he frowned subtly.

“Ask.”

“According to national policy, dependents of martyrs are supposed to be exempt from tuition fees. Why does Lu Zhu still need to pay tuition and boarding fees every semester?”

Uncle Lu was stunned, “That’s…”

Hui Jinhong didn’t understand and was hearing about this for the first time.

With her honest disposition and family background in officialdom, she immediately said, “Lu, why haven’t you mentioned this to the school? When I get back, I’ll have my family look into it. If anyone has embezzled your pension and subsidies, we will definitely get to the bottom of it for you.”

Lu Shao, seeing from the girl’s manner of speaking that her family must be extraordinary, hurriedly interjected, “No, it’s all a misunderstanding; we’ve received that money.”

Yue Qingqing smiled, “Received it? Then why does Lu Zhu still have to have a part-time job at school and work on weekends? Being her elders, do you not even know about these things?”

Lu Shao hadn’t expected Yue Qingqing to ask such a pointed question and laughed awkwardly, “This child is too stubborn and hasn’t been in contact with us either.”

Unable to resist, Qu Ruorui said softly, “You’re saying that for the past few years, Lu Zhu hasn’t been in touch with you, so a teenage girl like her has been left to fend for herself out in the world?”

Lu Shao’s smile was nearly impossible to maintain, and Hui Jinhong’s expression grew increasingly perplexed.

Unable to endure her son being questioned like this, the old Mrs. Lu burst out cursing, “What right do you wretched things have to meddle in my family’s affairs? My son died; I naturally should be the one to handle the money. Why should Lu Zhu, this little beast, take the spot? A girl like her ought to leave early and start working to save up marriage money for her cousin!”

For a moment, silence fell all around.

All the students couldn’t help but turn their gaze this way.