【Sweetheart Lover】

Chapter 267: Attempts at Mediation and Compromise

On this day, the sun shone through the heavy curtains, casting mottled light and shadows in the hall of the Ruan family's old house. In the middle of the hall, there was a simple long table, and the elders sat on both sides with serious expressions. Outside the window, the wind was howling, and the branches were shaking constantly, as if they were also anxious about this family dispute.

Uncle Ruan Zhengde sat in the first seat, with his hands crossed in front of his chest, his brows furrowed, his eyes like torches, scanning everyone present, and said in a deep voice: "Stop arguing, our Ruan family can't just break up like this!"

Second uncle Ruan Zhengli kept wiping the sweat off his forehead with a handkerchief. His eyes were erratic, as if he was thinking about something. He muttered, "Brother, this is not easy to handle. The interests of all parties must be taken into consideration. I am so nervous that I am afraid I can't handle it well."

Third uncle Ruan Zhengzhi coughed lightly, cleared his throat and said, "We have to think of a comprehensive solution and not favor any side. But it is not easy to balance the interests of all parties!" His fingers tapped lightly on the table, and his expression was very solemn.

At this time, the eldest brother Ruan Zhengxiong stood aside, his hands folded in front of his chest, a trace of helplessness on his face, and sighed: "My elders, I don't want to see the family become like this, but the balance of interests is too difficult."

Second Aunt Lin Yumei sat in the corner, twisting her body constantly and muttering softly, "Hmph, we can't treat our family unfairly." Her eyes were full of dissatisfaction, and her hands were tightly grasping the armrests of the chair.

Third uncle Ruan Zhenghua was pacing back and forth, muttering to himself: "What should I do? What should I do..." His steps seemed a little flustered, and the wrinkles on his forehead deepened.

The eldest sister Ruan Xiaomin stood quietly by the window, looking at the flowers outside that were blown to pieces by the strong wind, with a firm look in her eyes. "Elders, I believe that as long as everyone works together, we can always find a solution." She turned around and smiled, bringing a glimmer of hope to everyone.

Just then, a little bird flew into the hall, chirping, as if adding a bit of noise to the tense atmosphere.

Uncle Ruan Zhengde slapped the table and said loudly: "Be quiet! Let's go one by one and listen to Zhengxiong's ideas first."

The eldest brother, Ruan Zhengxiong, took a deep breath, walked to the long table, spread out a piece of paper, and began to explain his plan. "I think we can distribute the benefits according to our respective contributions, while also considering the long-term development of the family." As he spoke, he pointed to the contents on the paper.

Second Aunt Lin Yumei jumped up when she heard this. "What? That's all? No, no!" She put her hands on her hips and her face flushed. "We have paid so much, how can it be so little!"

Third uncle Ruan Zhengzhi hurriedly said: "Don't get excited, don't get excited, let's discuss it slowly." He stretched out his hand to comfort Second Aunt, but was pushed away by Second Aunt.

"How can I not be excited? We have given so much to the family!" Second Aunt's voice was sharp and piercing, and her shouts echoed throughout the hall.

Eldest sister Ruan Xiaomin walked over, took second aunt's hand and said, "Second aunt, don't be anxious, just listen to what eldest brother has to say." Second aunt snorted, shook off eldest sister's hand, sat down on the chair, turned her head away and stopped looking at everyone.

Third uncle Ruan Zhenghua also came over at this time, looked at his eldest brother's plan, frowned and said: "Zhengxiong, does this plan need to be improved? I'm worried."

The eldest brother shook his head helplessly, "Uncle San, I have tried my best to consider everything."

Just as everyone was arguing, the silent grandma came in. She was leaning on a cane and walking unsteadily, but her eyes were firm. "Stop arguing!" Grandma's voice was not loud, but it made everyone quiet down.

Grandma continued, "Zhengxiong's plan makes sense, but we can't completely ignore other people's feelings. Yumei, don't be too greedy. Only when the family is well, everyone will be well."

Second Aunt muttered: "Mom, I..."

Grandma glared at her, and Second Aunt immediately dared not say a word.

After intense discussions and negotiations, everyone finally reached a preliminary compromise.

The eldest brother, Ruan Zhengxiong, breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "I hope this plan can bring the family together again." A relieved smile appeared on his face.

Although Second Aunt was still somewhat reluctant, she no longer objected. "Okay, let's do this for now." She pouted, stood up, twisted her waist and walked out.

Third uncle Ruan Zhenghua patted his eldest brother on the shoulder and said, "Zhengxiong, thank you for your hard work."

The eldest sister Ruan Xiaomin looked at everyone with tears in her eyes, "As long as the family can be well, everything is worth it."

As the sun gradually set, the atmosphere in the hall became much more relaxed.