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Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
Tao Tao came to the house to collect his entire set of furniture on a sunny day.
To avoid being invited to stay for a meal, Tao Tao specifically chose to come in the afternoon.
Of course, it wasn't that Tao Tao didn't want to eat at the Qi Zheng family; he mainly feared causing trouble for the Qi family, so he simply avoided lunchtime.
He was well aware that during this period, in order to finish this batch of furniture, not only Qi Zheng but also Qi Dayong, Qi Ze, and Qi Rui were all helping out and were quite busy and exhausted.
In such circumstances, if he showed up just to mooch a meal, it would delay the Qi family's progress on their project. Tao Tao was always considerate of others' feelings and naturally didn't want to stay for a meal at the Qi family.
Later on, when the Qi family wasn't so busy or when they had become proficient with the furniture... Tao Tao would definitely shamelessly stay over for food and drinks.
The car Tao Tao drove was borrowed from Uncle Tao's factory. With the entire set of furniture loaded up, he felt no burden at all.
Qi Zheng had initially planned to put Tao Tao's furniture in front, and upon seeing him arrive, he didn't hesitate at all and let Tao Tao take the furniture away.
"It's beautiful, really beautiful! I love it so much! Brother Qi, thank you so much! With this set of furniture back home, I won't have to worry about finding a wife anymore," Tao Tao exclaimed excitedly as he hurriedly climbed into the car, fearing that if he delayed even a moment, Qi Zheng might take the furniture back or something unexpected might happen and someone else would snatch it away.
Seeing that Tao Tao was in such a rush to leave, Qi Zheng didn't try to keep him there and let him leave quickly from Willow Leaf Village.
In Qi Zheng's eyes, friends and brothers were never just about sharing a meal together. True friends, no matter how long it had been since they last met, always held a place for each other in their hearts.
Tao Tao felt this way about him, and he felt the same way about Tao Tao.
With Tao Tao's departure, Qi Zheng soon completed the first batch of furniture that had kept him so busy.
Upon receiving the news, Uncle Tao couldn't wait to drive over personally to transport the items.
According to him, Tao Tao was too cunning, daring to steal his furniture! If it weren't for the fact that Tao Tao was his own nephew, he would have forcefully taken all the furniture that Tao Tao had displayed!
Uncle Tao was quite confident in Qi Zheng's abilities. Although Qi Zheng himself did not show much excitement, Zhao Jin was already beaming with joy.
Nothing made Zhao Jin happier than hearing Qi Zheng being praised in person. In her eyes, Qi Zheng was already an outstanding individual. His skills and talents deserved recognition and should not be overlooked.
At this moment, Uncle Tao's image in Zhao Jin's mind was akin to that of a talent scout discovering a rare horse, particularly radiant and impressive.
This was Uncle Tao's first time meeting Zhao Jin. He had long heard that Qi Zheng had married a beautiful wife, and upon seeing her for the first time, Uncle Tao had to admit that the envy Tao Tao often expressed was indeed warranted.
Uncle Tao had always felt that Qi Zheng was far superior to Tao Tao.
Whether it was Qi Zheng's demeanor and capabilities or his character and personality, he was much more reliable than Tao Tao.
Perhaps due to his family background, Qi Zheng's character had been honed through various challenges. In contrast, Tao Tao seemed too childish and could not bear significant responsibilities.
Uncle Tao held high hopes for Qi Zheng and looked forward to a long-term collaboration with him. He could see that Qi Zheng would eventually achieve great success.
Uncle Tao was very generous and, due to his admiration for Qi Zheng, offered a price that could not be considered low.
As a result, a batch of furniture was taken away, and Qi Zheng indeed made some money from it.
Immediately, Qi Zheng handed the money he received to Zhao Jin: "This is for you."
"Um?" Turning to look at Zhou Ju, Zhao Jin opened her mouth, wanting Zhou Ju to put the money away.
"I still have work to do, so I’ll be busy first." Knowing Zhao Jin's personality well, Zhou Ju turned and left.
Zhao Jin pouted but did not refuse.
She would just keep it; she wouldn’t spend it recklessly. When the family needed it, she would take it out, and that would be fine.
With Qi Zheng starting to earn money, the Qi Family's days were increasingly filled with hope. Qi Feng was also sent to the County Hospital right away to officially begin cooperating with the doctors for acupuncture treatment.
At the same time, regarding the debts that the Qi Family owed, after asking Qi Zheng, Zhao Jin seriously sat down with Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju to discuss it.
Although these debts were incurred before Qi Zheng married Zhao Jin, she was quite concerned about them and did not distance herself or observe coldly.
Now, she had completely regarded the Qi Family as her own. Since they were all family, no matter when the debts were incurred or for what reasons the money was owed, Zhao Jin unhesitatingly accepted them.
However, what surprised Zhao Jin was that although Qi Ershu and Aunt Qi's family backgrounds were quite good, most of the debts that Qi Zheng's family truly owed actually came from Zhou Ju's maternal family.
So her intuition was not wrong; her perception of Qi Ershu and Aunt Qi was also correct?
In front of Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju, Zhao Jin did not say much. After carefully calculating the family's debts with the two of them, she handed over the money she had in hand to Zhou Ju.
This time, Zhou Ju did not refuse and silently accepted the money that Zhao Jin handed over.
To be honest, Zhou Ju had always felt guilty towards her maternal family. All along, not only had she failed to support her maternal family, but she had repeatedly made them help her. Once or twice was fine, but after many times, she felt uneasy about it.
Moreover, her maternal family was not particularly wealthy. In order to help, they were also burdened with worries and hardships.
Zhou Ju initially thought that these debts would take a long time to repay. It wasn't that she didn't want to pay them back, but rather that she was unable to do so.
At home, Qi Feng's leg had never healed, and money seemed like an endless pit that could never be filled. Zhou Ju had even prepared herself to bear this moral debt for a lifetime.
However, she never expected that she would have the opportunity to repay her maternal family's debts so soon. Holding the money in her hand and looking at Zhao Jinjiao's youthful face, Zhou Ju couldn't help but feel envious.
It was gold! Their family was fortunate to have married into the Jin family! Otherwise, when would they have the chance to see the light after the clouds parted?
Ever since Jin married into their family, their lives had gradually become clearer. It was not an exaggeration to say they were thriving.
The money in her hand was undoubtedly the best testament and the strongest evidence of this.
Zhou Ju thought this way, and Grandma Qi shared the same unwavering conviction. The two exchanged glances and saw more hope and emotion reflected in each other's eyes.
At this point, Zhao Jin's status in the Qi family had not diminished with the passage of time; instead, she was increasingly cherished and valued, becoming a treasure held dearly by the Qi family.
Faced with the increasingly intense situation, Zhao Jin felt helpless but could not refuse.
Even Qi Zheng did not stand on her side, leaving her truly unable to find anyone who could help her.
With no other choice, Zhao Jin could only accept it!
In fact, upon reflection, this kind of life was once Zhao Jin's greatest wish and dream. She just never expected that after what felt like a lifetime apart, she would truly attain the happiness she had longed for.
For the Qi Family, Zhao Jin felt heartfelt gratitude and secretly vowed to treat the Qijia Family even better.
In a way, both the Qijia Family and Zhao Jin had reached a consensus in their relationship and were moving in the same direction.
In September, Qi Yuehong and Qi Rui were already preparing to start school.
"Sister-in-law, I'm not going to school anymore." Recently, Qi Yuehong had been learning sewing and making clothes with Zhao Jin. Through Tao Tao's connections, they had even sent a few pieces of clothing to the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative and were fortunate enough to make some money.
Because of this, Qi Yuehong was even less inclined to add to the family's burden and planned to drop out of school to continue earning money with Zhao Jin.
"Why aren't you going to school? Your older brother studies really well!" Hearing Qi Yuehong's decision, Zhao Jin was clearly taken aback. The Qi Family members were all good students; how could she not go to school?
"But..." Deep down, Qi Yuehong undoubtedly wanted to continue her education. However, after a moment of hesitation, she quietly confided in Zhao Jin, "I want to save the money for school to help Uncle with his leg."
Although her older brother made money from furniture making, he worked very hard. Qi Yuehong saw this and thought about it, which led her to consider dropping out of school.
Perhaps this thought had always lingered in Qi Yuehong's mind and never truly faded away.
"The money for Uncle's leg is something your brother is worried about. Why are you in such a hurry? Listen to Sister-in-law; you should go to school. Don't think about anything else. Once you graduate from high school and get into college, our family will be better off." Zhao Jin herself didn't like studying but admired those who excelled academically. She particularly admired the siblings of the Qi Family.
Therefore, whether it was Qi Yuehong or Qi Rui, Zhao Jin fully supported them in continuing their education.
"Sister-in-law, that will take a long time. I'm afraid I won't be able to wait until job assignments come around, and I'm also afraid of... dragging our family down." Qi Yuehong lowered her head, her voice barely audible, yet she still shared her true feelings with Zhao Jin.
As the only daughter in her family, her personality was very quiet, and some thoughts had been buried deep within her for a long time. Now that she had Zhao Jin as a sister-in-law and they got along well, Qi Yuehong finally found someone to confide in.
"After all, we are family. What burdens? As long as you are well, everyone in our family will be happy." Gently hugging Qi Yuehong, Zhao Jin's tone was very soft, and her voice lowered, filled with a soothing meaning. "Whether it's you or Rui, your older brother has high hopes for both of you. As long as you are willing to study and enjoy learning, you must continue your education. Tuition is a separate issue; there's no need to think too much about it."
Feeling heartbroken for Qi Yuehong's understanding, Zhao Jin deliberately made a joke: "Even if we take a step back and say that your older brother can't come up with the tuition for both of you, isn't there still Sister-in-law? Your Sister-in-law is quite capable. Her savings will definitely be enough for both of you to finish high school."
It was clear that Zhao Jin was teasing her. Qi Yuehong held back her laughter but couldn't help but smile: "Sister-in-law is lying. Grandma and Mom are still around; Brother used Sister-in-law's dowry money to treat Uncle's leg."
"Oh, so everyone knows! I thought no one was aware!" Zhao Jin's tone was exaggerated, clearly pretending, but it instantly dispersed the clouds of worry gathering in Qi Yuehong's heart.
It seemed that as long as there was Brother and Sister-in-law around, she really didn't have to think too much and could focus solely on her studies. When she eventually started working in the future, she would strive to repay her family.
Although that would still be a few years away, Qi Yuehong felt an unprecedented burning determination and resolve rising within her.
She would definitely work hard and would never let down her family's expectations and hopes for her.
"Alright, Sister-in-law isn't very bright; her grades were poor when she was in school and she's really not good at comforting people. Just remember one thing: focus on your studies; that's enough." Patting Qi Yuehong's back, Zhao Jin instructed with an authoritative tone.
"Mm." In the end, Qi Yuehong listened to Zhao Jin's words, nodding earnestly and seriously.
The atmosphere had become overly serious, which made Zhao Jin feel a bit warm inside. After a pause, she added, "Yuehong, you're the older sister; go talk to Rui as well and help him relax. With elders in the family, we can afford for both of you to be college students."
If Qi Yuehong had such thoughts, Zhao Jin had no doubt that Qi Rui would also consider dropping out.
In Zhao Jin's view, the children of the Qi Family were particularly understanding—something her own siblings could not compare to. Thinking back to when they were young, none of them knew what worry felt like; they rarely concerned themselves with this or pondered that.
Perhaps this was due to their family background; the environment forced people to learn to grow up!
"Okay." Qi Yuehong nodded again, and before heading out to find Qi Rui, she gratefully said to Zhao Jin, "Thank you, Sister-in-law."
"You're welcome, you're welcome. We're all family; it's only right," Zhao Jin waved her hand and watched as Qi Yuehong ran out with red-rimmed eyes. Turning around, she felt a strong sense of responsibility and realized she needed to work even harder.
She had already learned how to use the sewing machine. The fabric and thread that Tao Tao sent were quite a lot. However, her progress was still not fast enough; she needed to take another step forward and create a few new styles of clothing.
Money is something no one would ever have too much of. Although Qi Zheng's furniture business made some money, after covering the expenses for Qi Feng's leg treatment and paying off the debts owed by the Qi Family, there was hardly anything left.
Qi Yuehong's concerns were not unfounded; the money that Zhao Jin had been managing was already running low.
It was naturally unsustainable to only spend without earning. Therefore, Zhao Jin's mind became active as she thought of ways to earn more money.
Zhao Jin did not hide her conversations from the elders at home. Qi Dayong was fine; he just kept his thoughts to himself. Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju directly expressed their excitement, praising the Qi Family for being fortunate to have such a generous daughter-in-law like Zhao Jin.
There was no need for further words regarding Qi Rui. Qi Yuehong whispered with Qi Rui for half a moment, and no one overheard what this brother-sister pair was discussing. Since the beginning, neither Qi Yuehong nor Qi Rui had mentioned dropping out of school again.
On the contrary, they worked hard at school and were praised for their diligent efforts, becoming exemplary model students.
Unlike Qi Yuehong, Zhao Jin did not mention much about the topics that Qi Yuehong had discussed with her to Qi Zheng.
If their family were well-off enough, why would Qi Yuehong need to consider dropping out? It was precisely because the family burden was too heavy that she reluctantly brought up the idea of leaving school.
Moreover, the burden at home weighed heavily on Qi Zheng's shoulders. Zhao Jin did not want Qi Zheng to know about this matter because she understood that he would feel guilty.
Anyway, since the issue had been resolved, her stance and attitude were clear with Qi Yuehong, who had also given up on the idea of dropping out. So let this matter be put aside!
Zhao Jin, however, does not mean that Qi Zheng is unaware.
Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju often praised Zhao Jin in front of Qi Zheng, and this time was no exception.
The two women took turns advising Qi Zheng, expressing their gratitude and affection for Zhao Jin. They repeatedly emphasized that Qi Zheng must treat Zhao Jin well; otherwise, they would not support him.
Zhao Jin's unspoken matters were unexpectedly revealed to Qi Zheng through Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju. A warm current surged within him, and he became increasingly indulgent towards Zhao Jin.
Zhao Jin found it quite frustrating that the Qijia Family had once again deprived her of the right to work.
She was merely squatting by the chicken coop to collect a few eggs, yet the Qijia Family insisted on making her work harder. It was too sunny outside, and it was exhausting for her to squat out there; she might as well stay inside where it was cooler...
Well, given the Qijia Family's stubborn insistence, Zhao Jin had no choice but to nestle in her room.
Fortunately, she had learned to use a sewing machine and had new goals and directions. Otherwise, she would surely be bored to death.
The Qijia Family was aware of Zhao Jin making clothes in her room. Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju did not stop her; instead, they would occasionally come in to check on her, offer suggestions, and help Zhao Jin identify any shortcomings or flaws.
To be honest, Zhao Jin was not a prodigy. Although she had lived a lifetime longer, in her previous life, she was mostly trapped in the Wu Family, living an unhappy life. She had neither the time nor the opportunity to broaden her horizons, let alone learn or gain experience.
What truly enriched Zhao Jin's mind with new ideas were the days she spent begging on the streets.
She would gaze longingly at the passersby on the street, wishing not only for food to fill her stomach but also envying and yearning for their glamorous appearances.
Having seen so much, Zhao Jin unconsciously memorized some styles she deeply admired and longed for. Now that she was working with her hands, she was slowly pondering and diligently exploring and recalling those memories.
She had only seen it before, not truly learned or practiced it. Now she had more direction, but there was no shortcut to success.
However, even without shortcuts, she would not give up. If she failed, she would try a few more times; there would always be a moment of success. With the strong support and selfless help from her family, Zhao Jin was very confident and always working hard.
Efforts do not betray those who are determined. When Zhao Jin finally brought to life one of the styles she had once admired and envied, she was extremely excited and thrilled, bouncing around while hugging Qi Zheng for quite a while.
Where there is one success, there will be another. Zhao Jin had a feeling that she would not stop here. This might just be the beginning, merely her first step toward success.
And she certainly would not give up.
Qi Zheng was also very happy for Zhao Jin. Watching the smile on her face and the clothes she held in her hands, he timely supported her waist to prevent her from falling due to her excitement.
Moreover, at that moment, Qi Zheng's greatest feeling was undoubtedly pride and honor.
The girl he liked was truly different!
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