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Back to the 80s: A Pampered Marriage
Since they were greeting the Qi Family, Zhao Guoqing and He Yun naturally sought out the elders of the Qi Family.
However, neither of them expected that before they could speak, Grandma Zhao had already grabbed Grandma Qi first.
He Yun's expression changed slightly, and she shot a glance at Zhao Guoqing before turning to find Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei.
In this matter, it was better for Jin's biological parents to step in; that would carry more weight.
Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei were equally surprised to hear such news from He Yun.
Given Grandma Zhao's character, she was indeed capable of anything. Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei had no doubts at all; their anger surged up in an instant.
Regarding Zhao Jin's marriage to Qi Zheng, while Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei were not as furious as outsiders might think, they certainly harbored some resentment.
Of course, their resentment was not directed at the Qi Family but rather at Grandma Zhao and her ilk.
They all shared the surname Zhao and had once been a family. However, Grandma Zhao and her group never regarded them as family, which allowed them to harm them so recklessly, even using Jin's marriage for their own twisted purposes.
If it weren't for Zhao Jin genuinely liking Qi Zheng, this marriage would have fallen apart long ago, and their family would have been at odds with Grandma Zhao's family for quite some time. "In-laws! Look at what a mess this has become; it's truly a pity." The Qi Family had just welcomed two healthy grandsons and was at their happiest moment. Yet Grandma Zhao suddenly popped up with such "pity" talk. Regardless of her intentions—good or bad—it was impossible to elicit smiles from the Qi Family.
Of course, Grandma Zhao's true intentions were hardly commendable. Just then, Grandma Zhao began to rattle off about Zhao Ying'er’s situation in the Wu Family.
Grandma Qi was a bit confused, and Zhou Ju beside her also had a face full of surprise. The two exchanged glances, genuinely unsure about what Grandma Zhao was up to.
What did Zhao Ying'er's situation in the Wu Family have to do with them? Was Grandma Zhao afraid that they were still concerned about the marriage agreement with the Qi Family, worried that they might blame Zhao Jin because of Zhao Ying'er marrying into the Wu Family?
If that were the case, Grandma Zhao was indeed overthinking it. Their family was very satisfied with Jin and would never confuse him with Zhao Ying'er.
The marriage between the Zhao Family and the Qi Family had only ever been a verbal agreement. So many years had passed, and knowing their own family's conditions were not great, the Qi Family never truly intended to force the Zhao Family to fulfill it.
However, it was undeniable that the Qi Family was grateful for Zhao Jin marrying into their family.
As for Zhao Ying'er, she was genuinely an outsider. The Qi Family did not hold her in mind nor bore any grudges.
Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju clearly misunderstood Grandma Zhao's intentions. Just as they were planning to calmly clarify things with her, Grandma Zhao revealed her true motives. "In-laws, here's the thing. Our Zhao Family has always felt indebted to your Qi Family. Thinking back to how kind Qi Zheng Grandfather was, helping to arrange a match for our daughter. In the end, though, this girl Ying'er, being thoughtless, couldn't keep her promise and ended up marrying into the Wu Family."
At this point, daring to bring up Great-Grandfather Qi, Grandma Zhao certainly had enough courage.
Even bolder was her subsequent shameless addition: "As elders, we can't just watch our family go astray. So we thought it was time to set things right. We want to swap the two girls back according to how things were originally good between everyone..."
Without warning, Grandma Zhao mentioned "setting things right," leaving both Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju momentarily speechless. Once they understood what she meant, their eyes widened in disbelief as they stared at her.
"Mother!" At that moment, Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei arrived.
Although they had heard from He Yun that something was off with Grandma Zhao, hearing her "off" remarks made both Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei change their expressions.
Zhao Guoqiang has always regarded Grandma Zhao as an elder. Even though Grandma Zhao has never respected her age, Zhao Guoqiang has consistently emphasized that he will take responsibility for Grandma Zhao's retirement and will not neglect her.
However, in Grandma Zhao's heart, compared to Zhao Guoqiang's family, it has always been Zhao Guofu's family that is more important.
For the sake of Zhao Guofu's family, Grandma Zhao would do anything. It does not matter whether Zhao Guoqiang is her biological son or whether Zhao Jin is her biological granddaughter.
They all share the surname Zhao, but Grandma Zhao's heart has long been biased beyond measure.
Nevertheless, at this moment, Grandma Zhao's reaction is still hard for Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei to endure.
With a voice filled with anger, Zhao Guoqiang’s expression suddenly turned extremely cold: “Mother, what exactly are you doing? This is the golden In-law family, and today is a good day for the two sons of Jin to celebrate their full month.”
Zhao Guoqiang was undoubtedly emphasizing Zhao Jin’s current status in the Qi Family, but to Grandma Zhao, it sounded more like boasting. “I know Zhao Jin is lucky; I don’t know how she stepped in dog poop and gave birth to two sons at once.” Grandma Zhao’s expression was very impatient, and her gaze towards Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei was filled with obvious dissatisfaction. “If it weren’t for our Ying'er making concessions, could Zhao Jin have what she has today? They are all sisters; what belongs to whom should be returned to whom. Jin has already taken advantage for a year; after enjoying such a good life for so long, isn’t it enough?”
Grandma Zhao’s words were simply absurd. Not only were Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei stunned, but everyone from the Qi Family was also left speechless.
Qi Ze had come over to ask his grandmother for candy. There were too many relatives and friends visiting today, and there were many children who were all at the age of greediness; before long, the candy was almost gone.
If it were usual times, Qi Ze would be helpless except to watch. But given the current situation of the Qi Family, he knew very well that there was plenty of candy prepared at home.
Now, seeing that the candy on the table had already been mostly distributed, Qi Ze thought about getting some more.
Who would have thought that as soon as I got closer, I would hear such a shocking and vulgar event?
Qi Ze reacted quickly and immediately turned around to call Qi Zheng over.
Since it concerned his older brother, he had to let him hear it in person.
Qi Zheng was initially dismissive. He thought Qi Ze was just up to some nonsense again or had come up with some bad idea.
However, once he understood what was going on, Qi Zheng's expression darkened instantly, and he walked over with evident displeasure.
Previously, Grandma Zhao had also tried to establish a connection with him, but Qi Zheng had ignored her completely. At this moment, Grandma Zhao's actions undoubtedly crossed Qi Zheng's bottom line.
With a serious face, Qi Zheng fixed his sharp gaze on the overly excited Grandma Zhao.
It was hard for any normal person to understand what Grandma Zhao was thinking. After all, her reasoning was completely nonsensical and not the usual kind of "truth" or "rationale."
But for Grandma Zhao, her perspective was the truth—an undeniable fact that no one could question.
Whether something was factual or not was merely what Grandma Zhao believed. Outsiders did not share that view.
"Mother, stop it. I don't care if this idea is your own or if someone else has instigated you. Just stop it and go back home. If you keep spouting nonsense here, don't blame me for not recognizing you as my mother," Zhao Guoqiang said with words that carried a strong deterrent effect.
If it weren't for Grandma Zhao's excessive behavior, he definitely wouldn't have reacted this way. But Zhao Guoqiang knew very well that if he didn't step up and make his stance clear, Grandma Zhao would only become more outrageous.
Sometimes, Zhao Guoqiang really doubts whether he was picked up from outside by Grandma Zhao. Otherwise, why is Grandma Zhao's heart always so biased?
Even Jin's several children are affected. It's one thing not to be favored by Grandma Zhao, but they don't expect her to care for their own children.
However, Grandma Zhao won't even let Jin's marriage matters go, repeatedly causing trouble and scheming, deliberately making it hard for Jin...
The more he thinks about it, the more oppressed he feels, and the anger that Zhao Guoqiang has been suppressing inevitably surfaces.
Zhao Guoqiang's words are undoubtedly very threatening. Once he says this, if Grandma Zhao still doesn't take it seriously, it would be equivalent to completely abandoning her son and any future support from him.
How selfish is Grandma Zhao? How could she tolerate Zhao Guoqiang's treatment like this?
Even with Zhao Guoqiang speaking to her in such a tone and attitude, Grandma Zhao cannot endure it. Her expression instantly changes, and she glares at Zhao Guoqiang: "Is this how you talk to your mother? Zhao Guoqiang, you've got some nerve! After all these years of raising you, is this how you repay me? Fine, let's call everyone over and let the Fellow Villagers judge. Let's see where you, Zhao Guoqiang, will put your face after this!"
Grandma Zhao's voice is loud enough to ensure that everyone in the courtyard can hear.
Her commotion also startled Zhao Jin, who was inside talking with Zhao Yamei.
Frowning slightly, Zhao Jin intends to step out to see what's going on.
However, as soon as Zhao Jin moves, she is pulled back by Zhao Yamei.
"You are in a different situation now and can't go out. I'll help you take a look outside." Upon hearing Grandma Zhao causing trouble again, Zhao Yamei felt extremely disdainful.
Getting up, Zhao Yamei had never been close to this grandmother and was always unwilling to have much contact or interaction with Grandma Zhao.
According to Zhao Yamei, there was only one thing in Grandma Zhao's eyes: money.
Dealing with such a person, Zhao Yamei worried that she would feel disgusted after just a few words.
Therefore, for her own safety, Zhao Yamei was never willing to say more than one word to Grandma Zhao.
"Hey, don't." Zhao Jin grabbed Zhao Yamei's arm and pointed at her belly, "You are in a special situation right now, don't stand outside. Listening to Grandma's tone, it seems she has quarreled with Dad again. It's fine, we have Qi Zheng! No need to worry."
Zhao Yamei didn't expect that Zhao Jin would end up saying this. After a pause, Zhao Yamei joked, "Why aren't you worried? You have big brother Second Brother here, so you're not concerned? No matter how you look at it, Qi Zheng is still a son-in-law; there must be a difference!"
"No difference. Like my big brother and Second Brother, because they share the surname Zhao, it's actually harder for them to confront Grandma. With Qi Zheng, he doesn't even need to speak; just standing there is enough to intimidate Grandma." Zhao Jin had great trust in Qi Zheng.
There was no way that Zhao Jin would believe that Qi Zheng would allow Grandma Zhao to act this way.
Although Zhao Jin didn't explain why he trusted Qi Zheng so much, just looking into the bright light in his eyes made Zhao Yamei feel that she understood everything.
Thinking about the unspoken understanding and trust between Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng, which didn't require words to prove, made Zhao Yamei envious. At the same time, she secretly vowed to place more trust in Sun Feng in the future.
In married life, if trust is lacking, how can they live together peacefully in the future?
It was only after Zhao Yamei reconciled with Sun Feng that she realized that what Sun Feng cared about was never whether she could have children, but rather that she had lost herself in the process of trying to have a child.
Looking back carefully, Zhao Yamei could indeed find memories of Sun Feng comforting her repeatedly at that time.
Sun Feng had seriously expressed to her that having a child depended on fate; if the time wasn't right, it was okay. No matter what, they still needed to live their lives well.
However, at that time, she couldn't accept Sun Feng's reassurances. She thought Sun Feng's words were just meant to placate her and not sincere at all. This only led to more disappointment for Sun Feng.
Indeed, Sun Feng's previous estrangement and indifference towards Zhao Yamei stemmed from his utter disappointment in her.
No children meant no children. Did that mean they would stop living their lives?
After their reconciliation, Sun Feng candidly told Zhao Yamei that over the past few years, he had particularly disliked going home and was especially unwilling to see her. It wasn't that he no longer loved Zhao Yamei or didn't want their home; he just felt suffocated and found it particularly meaningless.
Every time he returned home, he was met with Zhao Yamei's frowning expression and had to repeatedly listen to phrases like "still not pregnant." The entire home offered him no space to breathe or feel at ease; it felt like a cage.
At one point, Sun Feng was almost ready to give up on Zhao Yamei.
He had already considered moving out of the house and living at his workplace. He was just about to confirm how much it would cost for a unit at work...
However, Zhao Yamei's timely change saved their home and brought fresh air into his life.
Now, they no longer had the previous misunderstandings and conflicts; they could sit down calmly together and enjoy each other's company.
The more Sun Feng spoke from the heart, the more Zhao Yamei realized how dangerous her situation was; her family was on the brink of crisis.
If it weren't for Jin's pregnancy, if it weren't for her and her mother's timely intervention, if it weren't for Jin's heartfelt help and suggestions... the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Therefore, Zhao Yamei felt especially grateful to Zhao Jin and remembered the favor she owed Zhao Jin.
Zhao Yamei always believed that without Zhao Jin's guidance, she and Sun Feng would have likely been finished by now. How could such a completely opposite turn of events have occurred, allowing her to be fortunate enough to become pregnant?
Because of her gratitude towards Zhao Jin, Zhao Yamei was particularly convinced by Zhao Jin's words.
At that moment, witnessing Zhao Jin's attitude towards Qi Zheng, Zhao Yamei immediately learned from it.
Unaware that she had become a role model for Zhao Yamei, Zhao Jin took a couple of steps toward the door. Although she couldn't go out to see for herself, at least she could listen in.
Outside in the courtyard, Qi Zheng did not disappoint Zhao Jin's trust and stood firmly in front of Grandma Zhao.
As for why Grandma Zhao had argued with Zhao Guoqiang, she still cared about her reputation and surprisingly did not shout it out in public.
However, even if Grandma Zhao remained silent, what needed to be known was already known by Qi Zheng.
Qi Zheng could not understand Grandma Zhao's thoughts and actions, nor did he intend to try.
His attitude remained resolute as ever, his tone very stern: "Don't think about Jin."
Qi Zheng's words were nothing short of a threat. He was warning Grandma Zhao not to touch Zhao Jin, or else he would not spare Grandma Zhao.
Zhao Ying'er also occasionally swore to herself that she would not let things go with Zhao Jin, and sooner or later, she would teach Zhao Jin a lesson and show her what was what...
However, compared to Qi Zheng's current attitude and momentum, Zhao Ying'er was undoubtedly at a disadvantage.
Clearly, Qi Zheng had done nothing, yet Grandma Zhao felt a chilling wind sweeping across her back, causing an involuntary shiver deep within her. Grandma Zhao opened her mouth, completely different from the strong demeanor she had when facing Zhao Guoqiang. Instead, she spoke in a tone of appeasement and negotiation, saying to Qi Zheng: “Qi Zheng, Grandma is only doing this for your own good. Previously, I misunderstood and ruined the great match between you and Ying'er. For this matter, I sincerely apologize to you. I came here today specifically to correct my mistake. So...”
“No mistake.” Before Grandma Zhao could finish her sentence, Qi Zheng interrupted her. At the same time, Qi Zheng clearly expressed his stance, “The only person I have ever wanted to marry is Zhao Jin, and it can only be Zhao Jin. As for who Zhao Ying'er is, I don't even know her and have never cared about her.”
Regarding Qi Zheng's position, both Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju were witnesses and immediately stepped in to explain. “That's right, that's right. Although everyone has been discussing the marriage between the Zhao Family and the Qi Family, that was all decided by the old man back then. Now that the old man has passed away, our two families' marriage discussions have been put on hold. You in the Zhao Family haven't mentioned it, and we haven't cared about it either; just forget about it.”
Grandma Qi even pointed at Qi Zheng, stating factually, “Moreover, given Qi Zheng's age, it’s impossible for him to marry your Zhao Ying'er. From the beginning, Qi Zheng has made his own decisions regarding marriage; we elders have never interfered.”
“Indeed. When you came to our house before, you didn’t mention Zhao Ying'er! From start to finish, weren’t our two families always focused on gold?” Zhou Ju nodded in agreement, his attitude particularly firm. “The girl that our family’s Qi Zheng wants to marry has always been gold. The daughter-in-law we recognize has always been gold. There is no misunderstanding here; there are no issues—how did it come to involve Zhao Ying'er!?”
Given the attitudes of Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju, regardless of whether their words were sincere or not, Zhao Ying'er had already become a big joke.
For so long, the Grandma Zhao family had been quite pleased with themselves, boasting about how impressive it was for them to arrange for Zhao Jin to marry in her place while finding a better match for Zhao Ying'er.
Little did they know that their pride was merely a big joke in the eyes of the Qijia Family.
Qi Family really has no intention of marrying Zhao Ying'er? Qi Family is truly satisfied with Zhao Jin?
Or perhaps, Qi Family only ever wanted to marry Zhao Jin, and Zhao Ying'er has nothing to do with it at all?
It is indeed a shocking fact, yet it leaves one speechless and unable to argue.
After all, from the very beginning, Qi Zheng sent a rare and generous Bride Price to Zhao Jin's Family. The Bride Price that Zhao Jin brought to the Qi Zheng Family was also substantial without any dilution.
Surely, all of this can't be fake or just for show?
In any case, with such reasoning presented, basically no one has the confidence to refute it.
Of course, Zhao Ying'er was not going to back down. Feeling deeply insulted and disrespected, she suddenly stepped forward and stood in front of Qi Zheng: "You're lying! You Qi Family wanted to marry me from the start, not Zhao Jin!”
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