From Fang Zhiyi's words, he roughly understood what had happened. Fang's Mother was even more ruthless than imagined. After indulging in dining out, extravagant shopping, and being influenced by Fang Zhiyi, she dropped all pretense. She outright declared that the money Fang Zhiyi gave her was her retirement fund, leaving Fang's Father speechless.
As time went on, Fang's Mother grew increasingly unreasonable, treating Fang's Father and her Second Son with utter disdain. She constantly berated them for being useless and eating too much, her catchphrase becoming, "My Zhiyi this, my Zhiyi that."
Finally, after drinking, Fang's Father lashed out and beat Fang's Mother. But Fang's Mother was no pushover—the couple had often fought in their younger days. Later, they took their frustrations out on Fang Zhiyi. But now... After the brawl, Fang's Mother returned to their hometown, while Fang's Father, who disliked the city, sent the Second Son to confront Fang Zhiyi, demanding that he give the money directly to Fang's Father from now on.
"Otherwise, don’t bother coming back!"
The Second Son mimicked their father’s tone, delivering the threat. Fang Zhiyi simply nodded and said, "Oh." He glanced around, then looked at his resentful younger brother. "But I can’t do that. I have to save the money for Mother—and for Third Son. You’re his elder brother, shouldn’t you think about him too?"
At the mention of Third Son, the Second Son’s expression darkened. When Fang Zhiyi was still at home, both he and Third Son had it easy. But now that Fang Zhiyi was gone, the Second Son bore the brunt of the scolding and chores. He had no idea what kind of spell Fang Zhiyi had cast on their mother, but somehow, he’d become the lowest-ranking member of the family.
"Don’t bring up Third Son! Without Mother spoiling him, he’s nothing!"
Fang Zhiyi smirked. "Second Son, that’s no way to talk. Doesn’t Mother love you?"
"That biased old woman only cares about her useless youngest son!" The Second Son spat. "Oh, and now you too. Disgusting." The moment the words left his mouth, a kick sent him stumbling to the ground.
He turned in shock and fury, only to see Third Son glaring at him—he had arrived unnoticed.
"Third Son, you little—" Before he could finish cursing, another chilling face appeared: his mother.
"Mother, you’re here?" Fang Zhiyi quickly stepped forward, ignoring the onlookers. "Don’t be angry. Second Son just learned this from Father. It’s embarrassing with so many people watching—let’s go."
Fang's Mother shot him a look, then glanced at the Second Son, who was still on the ground, head lowered. With a snort, she allowed Fang Zhiyi to lead her away.
"Third Son, come on!" Fang Zhiyi called.
"Coming, Big Brother!" Third Son replied, smugly pointing at his Second Brother. "If I hear you insult me again, I’ll beat you to death."
The Second Son watched the three of them leave, his jaw clenched.
At the restaurant, Fang Zhiyi ordered food as usual, then handed money to Fang's Mother and Third Son. "Good thing you came, Mother. I didn’t know what to do."
Fang's Mother reached out with both hands, snatching the money Fang Zhiyi had intended for Third Son. Third Son’s face fell as Fang's Mother pocketed the cash, then pulled out five yuan and handed it to him. He took it with a scowl. Fang Zhiyi saw everything but said nothing.
"What else did he say?" Fang's Mother demanded.
Fang Zhiyi waved a hand. "Let’s not talk about it. No use getting worked up."
Fang's Mother, petty and selfish by nature, grew agitated. "Fang Zhiyi! Am I not your mother?" Her voice rose, drawing stares from other diners. Third Son, embarrassed, tugged at her sleeve.
Fang Zhiyi nodded. "You are."
Fang's Mother took a deep breath, lowering her voice. "Tell me."
Exaggerating and fabricating details came naturally to Fang Zhiyi. He sprinkled in some of Fang's Father and Second Son’s usual phrases, making the story all the more convincing.
"Is that so?" Fang's Mother’s chest heaved with anger. "I thought if he apologized, I’d go back. But it seems he’s dead set on ending this!"
She looked between Fang Zhiyi and Third Son. "Am I afraid of him? I’m a modern woman! What’s that saying again?"
Fang Zhiyi supplied, "Independent and self-reliant."
"Exactly! Independent and self-reliant! With two sons like you, do I need him to survive?"
Fang Zhiyi nearly choked. So much for independence.
After seeing Fang's Mother and Third Son off, Fang Zhiyi clapped his hands. They’d brought this on themselves, hadn’t they?
A few days later, a commotion broke out at the factory gates. Seeing the anxious faces of the security team, Fang Zhiyi guessed what was happening. He rushed downstairs and saw his long-absent father standing there with Second Son, both holding kitchen knives.
"Fang Zhiyi, you unfilial son!"
"Unfilial son!"
"Get out here!"
"Out here!"
"You got a cushy job and forgot about your old man, huh?"
"Huh?"
Little Hei muttered, "Your Second Son’s a broken record, isn’t he?"
Fang Zhiyi heard them from a distance but slowed his steps, then smacked his forehead. "Right!"
The security team held the two back as a crowd gathered.
With so many people watching, Fang's Father threw caution to the wind, loudly denouncing his eldest son for neglecting the family and withholding money—stopping just short of claiming they’d sold everything to send him to school and secure his job.
The onlookers murmured among themselves.
But the Security Section Chief barked, "Enough nonsense! I know your son—he’s a good kid. Just the other day, your wife was here. Everyone at the factory knows Fang Zhiyi lent her money!"
A collective "Oh!" rose from the crowd.
Fang's Father’s face darkened. He raised the knife at the Security Section Chief. "What do you outsiders know?"
Fang Zhiyi stepped forward at just the right moment. Seeing him, Fang's Father pointed accusingly. "There he is! That ungrateful brat! I sent your brother for money, and you beat him up!"
"I was on duty that day. I saw Third Son hit him," someone muttered. Those nearby picked up on it, and whispers spread.
Fang Zhiyi feigned helplessness. "Father, how can I give you money when I don’t have any?"
Fang's Father stubbornly retorted, "No money? Bull! You earn hundreds a month—where’s it all going? Gambling? Whoring?"
"I gave it to Mother."
This earned nods from the crowd. Every time Fang's Mother came for money, Fang Zhiyi handed it over, took her to restaurants, and even asked colleagues to buy things for her. Many assumed his side gigs were because his greedy mother took all his earnings.
After all, no one saw how much he gave her, but judging by his plain clothes and frugal meals, it was clear he kept little for himself.