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Returning to the 1980s for a Cherished Marriage
The Qi Family's joy at welcoming twins is undoubtedly a great event. During the Full Moon Celebration, many relatives and friends gathered together, creating a lively atmosphere.
However, the arrival of Grandma Zhao and others was somewhat unexpected.
Weren't they supposed to stay away? Why did they come again?
Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei were busy entertaining relatives from the Zhao Family. Upon seeing Grandma Zhao and her group suddenly appear, they frowned immediately.
"Mom, Dad, why are you here?" Given that their relationship had long been strained, many of the elder villagers present had witnessed it firsthand. Therefore, Zhao Guoqiang did not hold back and directly expressed his confusion. "What’s wrong with us coming? Who said we couldn't come? I am still Zhao Jin's grandmother. What? Now that Zhao Jin is married, she doesn't recognize me as her grandmother anymore?" Grandma Zhao's stubbornness was as formidable as ever. From the moment she spoke, it was clear that her intentions were not good.
Zhao Guoqiang had no intention of engaging in a verbal dispute with Grandma Zhao. They were at the Qi Family's home, not the Zhao Family's, and it was inappropriate to create trouble for the Qijia Family. Moreover, on such a joyous occasion, it was not suitable to argue or conflict with Grandma Zhao and her group.
Setting aside his displeasure towards Grandma Zhao's attitude, Zhao Guoqiang turned his stern gaze towards Zhao Guofu's family following behind Grandma Zhao: "What’s going on with your family?"
Every time Grandma Zhao caused trouble, she relied on her status as an elder to act without fear. Zhao Guoqiang could not change his background or choose his parents; he could only accept it obediently.
However, Zhao Guofu's family always left Zhao Guoqiang speechless and truly displeased. "What do you mean by 'what’s going on'? Zhao Guoqiang, I’ve noticed you’ve really changed! You used to be so sincere and kind to everyone. You were filial to your parents, friendly to your brothers, and took care of your relatives. But now? You've completely gone bad at your core. This isn’t right. If this continues, who would still want to associate with your family?" As soon as Zhao Guoqiang questioned the arrival of Zhao Guofu and others, Grandma Zhao quickly chimed in to defend her beloved son’s family.
Grandma Zhao's ability to twist the truth remained strong as she accused Zhao Guoqiang in return. Faced with Grandma Zhao's accusations, Zhao Guoqiang no longer felt sad or hurt. He wasn't eager to argue about right or wrong with Grandma Zhao; he simply stated matter-of-factly: "When Jin got married earlier, your family came over and said they wouldn't associate with Jin anymore. Now you suddenly show up at the Qi Family's home; shouldn't there be an explanation?"
Zhao Guoqiang spoke the truth; it was a well-known fact. Since everyone knew about it, he naturally wouldn’t go out of his way to cover for these two people who had no shame.
After all, this couple had always acted selfishly without any regard for face.
In this matter, Zhao Guofu's family had never concealed their intentions and plans from the very beginning. At that time, they looked down on the Qi Family and naturally disdained to associate with the already married Zhao Jin.
However, now that they saw an opportunity with the Qi Family, Zhao Guofu and Chen Cui immediately changed their minds and unceremoniously took the initiative to visit again.
They had found out that Qi Zheng had made quite a profit from the furniture business and was now doing well.
How could they miss out on such a tempting opportunity? That would be too unfair to themselves.
As for the displeasure and accusations from Zhao Guoqiang, Zhao Guofu and Chen Cui paid no attention at all. With Grandma Zhao around, there was no need for them to step in.
Perhaps to Zhao Guoqiang, Grandma Zhao was a detestable reminder of his mortality. But to their family, Grandma Zhao had always been a protective charm.
At this moment, it was no different.
Without any need for Zhao Guofu and Chen Cui to express their stance or intentions, Grandma Zhao stepped forward and confronted Zhao Guoqiang.
"What law is needed for one's own uncle? Are you saying that if I scold you today, you will no longer recognize me as your mother?" Grandma Zhao was clearly prepared; no matter what Zhao Guoqiang said, she could respond with great authority.
From a logical standpoint, Grandma Zhao's words were not wrong.
After all, as the saying goes, there are no overnight grudges between fathers and sons. If Zhao Guoqiang truly stopped caring about Grandma Zhao's well-being just because she scolded him once, he would undoubtedly face gossip and moral condemnation.
However, it must be noted that Grandma Zhao was clearly shifting the concept.
Zhao Guofu was merely Zhao Jin's uncle, not her parent. Zhao Guofu had openly stated in front of everyone that he did not wish to have any dealings with the already married Zhao Jin in the future.
Should Zhao Jin then maintain a heart full of gratitude and anticipation? And upon seeing the arrival of Zhao Guofu's family, should she be overwhelmed with gratitude and tears?
If that were the case, then Zhao Jin would be the first person unwilling to cooperate in this performance.
Zhao Guoqiang clearly thought the same way.
In response to Grandma Zhao's reprimand, Zhao Guoqiang frowned tightly, feeling quite speechless: "Mother, can we talk reason? Today is a good day for gold, and it's also a good day for the Qi Family. Please don't come here to cause trouble."
"What trouble? Who is causing trouble? Are we here to cause trouble? We came to celebrate a wedding, and you insist on blocking our way. Do you think you have a reason?" Grandma Zhao was not one to speak kindly. Once she had made up her mind about something, it was rare for her not to get her way.
Moreover, the reason Grandma Zhao brought her family to the Qi Family today was certainly not without purpose; she had her own plans.
Had the Qi Family really become prosperous? It was truly surprising and astonishing. When did Qi Zheng become so capable? If he had such great abilities, why hadn't he shown them before?
The Qi Family had once been extremely poor, something Grandma Zhao had witnessed firsthand. If it weren't for that, why would she give up such a piece of meat and forcefully change Zhao Ying'er's marriage to Zhao Jin's?
However, now faced with the fact that the Qi Family was making a comeback, Grandma Zhao couldn't help but feel regret.
She felt as if she had inadvertently missed out on a gold mine, and no matter how she thought about it, Grandma Zhao felt increasingly uncomfortable. Coupled with Chen Cui's instigation, Grandma Zhao immediately became energized. Without anyone pushing her, her own arrogance reached its peak.
Zhao Guoqiang believed he was in the right. After all, he didn't want Grandma Zhao and her group coming to the Qi Family. Otherwise, if something were to happen later, it would be hardest on Zhao Jin.
Moreover, given Grandma Zhao's character and past behavior, it was truly difficult to trust her or believe that she simply came to the Qi Family for a casual visit.
Knowing full well that Grandma Zhao surely had ulterior motives, Zhao Guoqiang couldn't help but feel increasingly irritated and more frustrated with his own mother.
If Grandma Zhao remained obstinate and continued this way for long, whenever possible, Zhao Guoqiang would not deny that his true intention was to disown even his own mother.
Since Zhao Jin was unable to come out of the house at that moment, it was Qi Zheng who was entertaining guests in the courtyard.
Upon seeing Grandma Zhao and her group appear at the Qi Family, Qi Zheng also frowned slightly.
He had to admit that he wasn't very fond of Grandma Zhao and her companions. Especially since there was always a Zhao Ying'er following behind them.
At this moment, Zhao Ying'er was, as always, looking at Qi Zheng with a complex gaze that seemed to say she wanted to approach him but held back, almost ready to put on a tragic scene.
Zhao Ying'er felt very upset and frustrated.
The reason she returned to the Zhao Family this time was still to seek help. However, unlike last time, her reason was more legitimate and straightforward. That was: she had been hit by Wu Feng. Unlike Cheng Fangfang, who only shouted a few words without any follow-up actions, Zhao Ying'er had always been someone who acted on her words. If she came back to her Maternal Family to find someone, she would definitely return. Moreover, she firmly believed that "unless Wu Feng personally came to apologize to her, she would never go back to the Wu Family."
Zhao Ying'er did not expect Zhao Jin to be so fortunate, having two sons in her first pregnancy. Just hearing about it made her feel envious and resentful. It was even harder for her to accept given that her own life was far from satisfactory.
Additionally, the prosperity of the Qi Family made Zhao Ying'er grit her teeth in anger; she wished time could turn back so she could start over.
If she had known that the Qi Family's poverty was only temporary, Zhao Ying'er would have been willing to marry Qi Zheng.
Why would she leave a good life to suffer in the Wu Family? Zhao Ying'er considered herself not foolish.
It was precisely because of these thoughts that Zhao Ying'er could no longer tolerate Zhao Jin living better than her.
If given another chance to choose, Zhao Ying'er vowed that she would not let Zhao Jin take away all her happiness.
Indeed, in Zhao Ying'er's mind, she stubbornly believed that everything Zhao Jin currently enjoyed belonged to her.
The elders of the Qi Family were very kind; such easygoing in-laws should have belonged to her. And Zhao Jin should be serving those damned old folks in the Wu Family.
As for Wu Feng, he simply could not compare to Qi Zheng.
Although Qi Zheng appeared cold, he treated Zhao Jin very well and was gentle, considerate, and protective.
In contrast, what about Wu Feng? He even laid his hands on her; how could he be considered a good man?
Not to mention, the Qi Family has become wealthy now! This is the gap that Zhao Ying'er is most unwilling to acknowledge and face.
Once, Zhao Ying'er thought that marrying into the Wu Family would allow her to enjoy a good life. However, after actually marrying into the Wu Family, Zhao Ying'er realized just how big the difference between reality and imagination was.
There is no denying that the conditions of the Wu Family are indeed much better than those of the Qi Family back then.
But so what? No matter how rich they are, Zhao Ying'er cannot get a single cent in her hands.
Both of Wu Family's parents are stingy and difficult, and Wu Feng does not treat Zhao Ying'er well at all. It’s clear that Zhao Ying'er would never be able to take charge in the Wu Family.
In contrast, since marrying into the Qi Family, Zhao Jin has had everything go smoothly for her and hasn't even washed a bowl in the Qi Family.
This stark contrast makes it hard for Zhao Ying'er to deceive herself into claiming that she married better than Zhao Jin, who can only envy her.
The more she cannot stand these disparities and comparisons, the more complicated Zhao Ying'er's feelings toward Qi Zheng become.
She cannot understand why Qi Zheng only started working hard to earn money after marrying Zhao Jin. Why didn’t she see Qi Zheng's impressive earning abilities before marriage? Was Qi Zheng an idiot back then? Or a fool?
Thinking that it was Qi Zheng's past inaction that conveyed the wrong message to her, leading to her life being ruined, makes it extremely difficult for Zhao Ying'er to develop any feelings of affection for Qi Zheng.
Yet at the same time, Zhao Ying'er is even less willing to let go of Qi Zheng and feels an intense possessiveness over him.
Qi Zheng was originally hers. This marriage was originally hers. Everything that Zhao Jin enjoys now belongs to her, hers!
Qi Zheng ignored Zhao Ying'er's bewildered gaze. From the very beginning, he had never paid any attention to her, let alone have any feelings for her.
As for what Zhao Ying'er thinks in her heart, it is utterly ridiculous to Qi Zheng.
He still stands by his words: from the very start, it was not possible for Zhao Jin to be left out!
"Qi Zheng Ah! This kid has potential! Not bad, not bad, capable!" With a rather rough end to the conversation with Zhao Guoqiang, Grandma Zhao quickly turned her attention to Qi Zheng, smiling as she walked over to flatter him.
She never expected that Qi Zheng would turn out to be such a money-making gem; the way Grandma Zhao looked at Qi Zheng was nothing short of astonishing.
Had she known that such a scene would occur, Grandma Zhao would swear she would have treated Qi Zheng much better long ago.
If that were the case, it wouldn't be like this moment, having to start over and do her best to mend the broken relationship that had lasted so long.
How did Qi Zheng suddenly become so successful? Grandma Zhao was puzzled but had to face reality with strength. At the same time, her mind was racing with calculations.
Having already failed once with Wu Feng, she was determined not to give up on Qi Zheng.
Grandma Zhao had high hopes, but the course of events was destined not to unfold as she wished.
For Grandma Zhao, Qi Zheng was simply too distant. Hearing her praise, he merely glanced over with a blank expression before turning his attention to other guests.
At that moment, the visitors arrived—none other than Uncle Zhao and the family of Zhao Guoqing.
This time, it wasn't just Zhao Guoqing and He Yun who came to Willow Leaf Village, but also Zhao Yamei, Sun Feng, and the Sun Family, who had come specifically to express their gratitude.
Father Sun was an actual government official. Naturally, the threshold of the Sun Family was not something the villagers of Willow Leaf Village could compare with.
Thus, it was truly remarkable for Father Sun to personally come here; it was no small feat.
Previously, Zhao Yamei had been so concerned about not being able to conceive that she felt immense pressure and nearly broke down, which was not unrelated to her in-law family.
After all, in the eyes of outsiders and even in her own heart, marrying Sun Feng felt like a blessing from a past life. If she couldn't bear children, how could she stand firm in the Sun Family?
Even in an ordinary farming household, a daughter-in-law who couldn't conceive would inevitably be looked down upon and would not have a good life.
However, it is fortunate that she is now pregnant. For Zhao Yamei, this is a source of pride, allowing her to hold her head high.
When the Sun Family parents came together, Qi Zheng was not overly surprised. However, he still did not neglect the necessary courtesies.
Father Sun had met Qi Zheng before. Today, he came with an important matter to discuss with Qi Zheng: he intended to have the office furniture for the County Government made by Qi Zheng.
Although there was a personal motive behind this decision—he wanted to express gratitude to Zhao Jin—there was an even more important reason: Qi Zheng truly had the skills.
Previously, the set of furniture that Qi Zheng sent to Sun Feng had already made a name for itself at the County Government. As a result, when Father Sun mentioned Qi Zheng's name, no one opposed it.
Thus, this matter was easily settled.
Qi Zheng was unaware of these underlying reasons. However, he could guess that this was related to Zhao Yamei's pregnancy.
Thinking back to what Zhao Jin had said before, Sun Feng was the only heir in three generations of his family, which meant that the Sun Family placed great importance on the next generation. The fact that there had been no news about Zhao Yamei's pregnancy had undoubtedly worried the elders of the Sun Family.
Eventually, as time passed and the elders of the Sun Family became accustomed to disappointment, they gradually lost hope.
This is why Zhao Yamei's pregnancy caused such a significant stir among the elders of the Sun Family.
From Qi Zheng's perspective, Zhao Yamei's successful pregnancy was indeed important due to Zhao Jin's suggestion, but it was also true that Sun Feng and Zhao Yamei were destined for this. Children are a fated connection between parents, and Qi Zheng has always firmly believed this.
Initially, Qi Zheng intended to refuse such a gesture of gratitude from the Sun Family. However, both parents from the Sun Family were very insistent that Qi Zheng take on this job. In the end, it was settled.
With so many people in the yard, when the Sun Family parents mentioned this matter, they did not avoid anyone. Consequently, once it was brought up, everyone knew about it.
In the eyes of many guests, it seemed that the Qi Family was indeed going to prosper! Previously, Qi Zheng had sold so much furniture, and now he had taken on work from the County Government—how impressive!
However, in Grandma Zhao's eyes, this matter seemed somewhat problematic.
Without hesitation, Zhao Guoqing and He Yun were interrupted by Grandma Zhao, who wore a stern face filled with anger: "What’s wrong with you two? When there's something good, you don’t think of your own family and just push it out to others? You both..."
Grandma Zhao indeed wanted to please Qi Zheng. However, that was only as long as it did not involve their family's interests; she was willing to snatch some good things from the Qi Family. This did not mean that Grandma Zhao was willing to hand over benefits that rightfully belonged to her family to Qi Zheng.
Indeed, in Grandma Zhao's eyes, since the opportunity came from the Sun Family, it should definitely be the Zhao Family that profits from it. What does it have to do with the Qi Family?
Seeing that both of them were betraying their own family, Grandma Zhao was furious. With a glare, she was ready to find someone to settle the score.
With Grandma Zhao's demeanor, anyone who wasn't blind could see that she was about to make a fuss again.
Before Grandma Zhao could finish her words, Zhao Yamei tugged at He Yun's sleeve: "Mom, I'm going to find Jin Hua."
Not wanting to stay and witness Grandma Zhao's disgraceful behavior, Zhao Yamei decided to leave. She was currently pregnant and did not want to set a bad example for her unborn child.
Therefore, Zhao Yamei's top priority was to stay away from Grandma Zhao.
She absolutely would not allow anything to affect her prenatal education.
"Go ahead! It's rare for you sisters to have a chance to get together, so have a good chat." He Yun nodded in agreement with Zhao Yamei's thoughts and intended to send her away.
Now, He Yun had already regarded Zhao Jin as someone she could confide in. Moreover, in He Yun's mind, allowing Zhao Yamei and Zhao Jin to spend more time together was a good thing—a very good thing.
So when Zhao Yamei wanted to leave, He Yun immediately supported her decision.
With He Yun's approval, Zhao Yamei wasted no time and turned to leave.
She did not want to listen to Grandma Zhao’s nonsense. It was always the same; every time her grandmother approached her parents, it was definitely for selfish reasons. Over the years, her grandmother had never shown any improvement.
Rather than stay and witness Grandma Zhao's shamelessness, Zhao Yamei certainly preferred to talk with Zhao Jin.
Like He Yun, Zhao Yamei also enjoys spending time with Zhao Jin. Today, she came over and specifically brought a lot of milk powder for Guo Guo and Dou Dou.
Seeing that Zhao Yamei was about to leave, Grandma Zhao actually wanted to stop her.
What she wanted today was closely related to Zhao Yamei. If Zhao Yamei were present, the Sun Family would have to consider the Zhao Family more, rather than throwing all the good things to the Qi Family.
After all, Zhao Yamei is their Zhao Family's daughter; what does she have to do with the Qi Family?
However, Zhao Yamei is different from Zhao Jin.
Zhao Yamei has never been raised in Willow Leaf Village. As she grew up, she married into the Sun Family, which Grandma Zhao had longed for but could not reach. Both her father-in-law and husband hold official positions in the County Government, and Father Sun is even a high-ranking official...
Grandma Zhao has always been someone who bullies the weak and fears the strong; how could she dare to go against Zhao Yamei?
Thinking about how Zhao Yamei is pregnant now, Grandma Zhao felt even more hesitant to provoke her. If something were to happen and Zhao Yamei were to get hurt, she couldn't bear that responsibility. With this in mind, Grandma Zhao could only watch helplessly as Zhao Yamei walked away.
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