Gao Xiangming's aunts, in particular, were cowards in front of outsiders but absolute terrors at home.
Don't be fooled by their looks—his second aunt was blind in one eye and his third aunt had a limp—but they were ferocious at home, classic bullies who only dared to throw their weight around in their own den.
His uncles were useless at any kind of work but would eat everything in sight. All year long, Gao Xiangming even had to use his own money to subsidize their work points, which meant they never earned a share of the grain!
He only took care of his uncles and cousins because his grandfather had entrusted him with the family's assets.
He just had to make sure they didn't starve; there was no way they were getting any good food. Giving them too much would only cause trouble.
That's why Gao Xiangming always looked so grimy and down-and-out in the village, despite being quite wealthy.
