Chapter 645 Returning Home (Seven)

• "In reality, your father has never been in good health. You are aware of this. He has been toiling away at home, tending to the farm work all by himself, striving to pay off debts for your sake. He has pushed himself to the brink, wearing down his body, yet he refuses to seek medical attention at the hospital. Instead, he often relies on medication from the local doctor and self-medicates. His health has been deteriorating, but he turns a deaf ear to our concerns. He simply wants to save money, clear your debts, and secure funds for your marriage. Your parents have sacrificed so much for you, what more could you ask for? Your father's declining health is all for your benefit. He is only fifty-seven years old this year, but take a look at him. Does he appear to be in his late fifties? He looks more like he's in his seventies. Why? All for you. Do you have any sense of conscience at all? I consulted the doctor, and he mentioned that this illness stems from untreated long-term stomach issues. Reflect on yourself, have you fulfilled your duties as a son?"
• "Consider all the foolish decisions you've made over the years. Your father pulled strings and pleaded for you to secure a position as a civil servant, to work in the local government. It was a golden opportunity. Yet, due to a woman, you borrowed hundreds of thousands of dollars from relatives and friends. And when the money vanished, so did the woman, leaving you deceived and your mother furious. Subsequently, you resigned from your job, packed a bag, and left in defiance of your father. Do you know what transpired after your departure? Your father fell ill from anger, confined to bed for two weeks, requiring daily IV drips. I was the sole caregiver, preparing meals for him each day. And all because of your mess. Despite his anger, your father continued to toil, save money, and live frugally to settle your debts. He hasn't purchased meat or clothing in two years, even abstained from alcohol, all to save for you. Upon hearing that you had cleared your debts, he began saving to find you a suitable spouse. Yet, what did you do? You brought a woman home without prior notice, without informing your father before tying the knot. Is that not too much to ask? And who did you bring home? A divorced or widowed woman with a child. Do you comprehend the implications in our community? Only fools, the blind, or the infirm would wed a widow or someone who lost their partner. And you? You are the sole university graduate in our village, our pride. Do you wish for your father to forever hang his head in shame? How do you anticipate him facing others in the future? Look at your father now, if not for luck, he would have perished from the stress you caused." Aunt Chadwick Fullner's voice grew increasingly heated as she spoke.
• "People often say that raising children is to stave off loneliness in old age, but if I had a son like you, I would prefer not to have one. Sooner or later, you will be the death of your father. The slap you received today was for your father's sake, for your mother's sake. Whether you harbor resentment towards me or not, I have expressed what needed to be said. If you possess a conscience, question whether you are treating your father with the respect he deserves. I have obligations to tend to at the school, so I shall depart now. I will return tomorrow. If any mishap befalls your father at the hospital, you... will need to handle it on your own." Aunt Chadwick Fullner gazed at him with disappointment, covered his father with a blanket, and swiftly departed.