Back to the 80s: A Beloved Marriage
With this thought in mind, Grandma Zhao suddenly turned to Zhao Guoqiang, crying heartbrokenly, "Qiang, you saw it with your own eyes. Your father and I can no longer live like this. He dares to hit me in front of you brothers, and behind your backs, he almost took my life! Qiang, no matter what, I gave birth to you. Can you really bear to see your mother beaten to death by your father? Even if you don't think of me, you should think of Yaozong and Yaozu and their well-being..."
Grandma Zhao was truly desperate. At this moment in her heart, she only cared about herself. As for what would happen to Grandfather Zhao in the future, that was up to him. Anyway, she planned to move with Zhao Guoqiang's family to City. From now on, Grandfather Zhao's fate had nothing to do with her.
Zhao Guoqiang did not expect that after receiving such a slap, Grandma Zhao would still not calm down.
Of course, Zhao Guoqiang was not foolish enough to think that Grandfather Zhao hitting Grandma Zhao was standing on their side or supporting their family.
After so many years of interaction with his own parents, if Zhao Guoqiang still could not see through Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao's true nature, he would truly be ashamed of himself.
Therefore, even though he witnessed Grandfather Zhao slap Grandma Zhao, Zhao Guoqiang remained calm and shook his head. He even began to earnestly advise Grandma Zhao.
"Mother, you know what kind of temper our father has. He certainly doesn't have any bad intentions towards you. At this age, you shouldn't keep arguing with him." Zhao Guoqiang spoke from the heart, sincerely.
However, these words did not sit well with Grandma Zhao.
What does it mean that she is causing trouble? Is she the one making a scene right now? Clearly, it was Grandfather Zhao who was stabbing her heart with a knife; it was Grandfather Zhao who was not allowing her to live a good life!
And what does it mean that Grandfather Zhao has no bad intentions towards her? If he truly had no bad intentions, how could he possibly lay hands on her? Especially in front of so many people; it was clear he didn’t want her to have a good life!
Seeing that Zhao Guoqiang was obviously favoring Grandfather Zhao, Grandma Zhao cursed him countless times in her heart for being unfilial. But given the current situation, Grandma Zhao really couldn't do anything about Zhao Guoqiang.
On the contrary, in order for her to smoothly move to City and enjoy life, she still had to curry favor with Zhao Guoqiang. Only then could she truly have her wishes fulfilled.
Thinking this way, Grandma Zhao's anger swelled and swelled again, but in the end, she swallowed it back down.
"Qiang, it's not that I want to nitpick with your father. It's just that about today's matter, I really can't hold it in any longer." Grandma Zhao then pretended to cry again, looking as if she had suffered great grievances with no one to confide in.
Zhao Guoqiang couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. He didn't know what else to say and simply looked at the grim-faced Grandfather Zhao.
In this situation, it was certainly more appropriate for Grandfather Zhao to handle it.
What could Grandfather Zhao do? Of course, he abruptly pulled Grandma Zhao away without saying a word, so as to avoid further embarrassment.
Grandfather Zhao's action was too sudden; Grandma Zhao was caught off guard and was directly dragged away.
This left Chen Cui and Zhao Guofu in a truly awkward position.
Especially Chen Cui. She had originally intended to argue with Zhao Guoqiang's family, but in the end, she gained nothing and even offended Grandma Zhao.
No matter how she thought about it, she felt like she had made a losing deal. Just looking at the situation made Chen Cui sense that things would definitely go badly for her when she got home.
Whether things would go badly or not was no longer for Chen Cui to ponder. After all, the situation had already occurred, and reality lay before her; no matter how anxious or loud she became, it would be useless.
However, without Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao backing her up, it was even more impossible for Chen Cui to hold her head high in front of Zhao Guoqiang's family.
With a dry smile, Chen Cui no longer wanted to linger and hurriedly pulled Zhao Guofu away to retreat.
No, I need to go home first to keep Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao from causing trouble.
Otherwise, if I can't make it to the City, their family's life will be difficult. Wouldn't that be a case of losing the chicken and not getting the rice? It’s not worth it at all.
I watched helplessly as Chen Cui and the others came and went, and the Zhao family didn't keep them. After all, they weren't very popular relatives; it would be better if they never interacted again.
At the same time, Zhao Lei approached Qi Yuehong.
"Congratulations on finally getting into university." Hearing that Qi Yuehong not only got into university but did so well, Zhao Lei's feelings were complicated.
He wasn't entirely happy, nor was he sad. Yet, he still couldn't let go of his feelings for Qi Yuehong.
So no matter what, he wanted to see her. Even if it was the last time, even if he had to give up on her for good, he accepted that.
"Thank you." Qi Yuehong had no particular feelings towards Zhao Lei.
Perhaps when they were in the same class, she had indeed disliked him because he bullied her repeatedly.
However, now that Qi Yuehong was becoming more mature and confident, she had long forgotten those unpleasant memories.
People need to look forward. Just like their family's daily life now and her own upcoming new life, Qi Yuehong knew very well that she and Zhao Lei would no longer have any intersections.
Since it was destined that they would not cross paths again like parallel lines, Zhao Lei's good and bad traits could not leave any marks in Qi Yuehong's heart.
Thus, even though Zhao Lei stood in front of her at this moment, there was not a single ripple in Qi Yuehong's heart.
"Are you... are you never going to return to Willow Leaf Village again?" Even though she already knew the answer, Zhao Lei couldn't help but ask.
"Yeah. Unless something unexpected happens, I won't be coming back." Although it was the place where she was born and raised, since her family had moved to the City, Qi Yuehong indeed wouldn't return.
"Oh, I see..." With a hint of "I knew it" in her tone, Zhao Lei nodded, feeling somewhat downcast.
Seeing that Zhao Lei didn't seem to have anything else to say, Qi Yuehong planned to turn and leave.
She and Zhao Lei didn't have any particular bond, nor was there anything to reminisce about. There hadn't been before, and there wasn't now.
However, unfortunately for her, before Qi Yuehong could turn around, she was spotted by Qi Juanjuan.
Just as Zhao Lei was fixated on Qi Yuehong, Qi Juanjuan had never given up on Zhao Lei.
As for Qi Yuehong getting into college, Qi Juanjuan was absolutely thrilled and overjoyed.
It was quite clear that once Qi Yuehong went to college, there would be even less chance for her and Zhao Lei.
This fact was something Qi Juanjuan understood well, and surely Zhao Lei had some awareness of it too.
Just the thought of Zhao Lei soon giving up on Qi Yuehong made Qi Juanjuan extremely happy.
However, despite her joy, seeing Zhao Lei alone with Qi Yuehong was something Qi Juanjuan couldn't accept.
Thus, without needing anyone's reminder, Qi Juanjuan quickly ran over.
“Zhao Lei!” The joyful shouts were enough to indicate Qi Juanjuan's good mood at that moment. It was the exact opposite of Zhao Lei's gloom and depression.
Upon seeing Qi Juanjuan, Zhao Lei's expression immediately changed.
With a hint of impatience in his eyes, Zhao Lei frowned and said, “Why is it you again?”
“Of course it's me!” Seemingly oblivious to Zhao Lei's displeasure, Qi Juanjuan cheerfully nodded, “Zhao Lei, are you here to find me? I have something to tell you!”
“I’m not here to find you, and I have nothing to say to you.” Zhao Lei had long run out of patience with Qi Juanjuan.
For so long, Qi Juanjuan had been pestering him through his grandmother and mother; Zhao Lei was truly fed up with her actions. As for marrying Qi Juanjuan, he would rather die than do it—no matter who came, it wouldn’t change his mind.
Qi Juanjuan had experienced Zhao Lei's attitude countless times. Even now, being treated coldly by him didn’t make her angry.
On the contrary, she was eager to see Zhao Lei’s impatient demeanor.
It was easy to guess that Zhao Lei had just been put down by Qi Yuehong, which was great news for Qi Juanjuan. It was something to celebrate!
Seeing that Zhao Lei was talking to Qi Juanjuan, Qi Yuehong wisely prepared to leave: “You two chat, I’ll just…”
“Don’t.” Instinctively stopping Qi Yuehong, Zhao Lei glared fiercely at Qi Juanjuan, his tone harsh, “Qi Juanjuan, you need to leave right now. Aren’t you annoying?”
“I…” Even though she knew very well that there was no hope with Zhao Lei and Qi Yuehong, watching Zhao Lei stop Qi Yuehong in front of her and trying to chase her away made Qi Juanjuan feel displeased.
However, instead of hating Zhao Lei, her eyes turned angrily towards Qi Yuehong.
"Nothing. You two take your time, I'm going home first." Qi Yuehong was not afraid of Qi Juanjuan. She just didn't see the need for it, because Zhao Lei had a grudge against Qi Juanjuan.
In Qi Yuehong's mind, Zhao Lei was far from being that important.
Therefore, the moment she saw Qi Juanjuan coming over, Qi Yuehong wanted to leave.
However, it was obvious that Zhao Lei did not want her to leave just like that. And on Qi Juanjuan's side, she still couldn't help but hold a grudge against her.
"Don't! Since you've already been seen, what are you hiding for, Qi Yuehong?" Filled with indignation, Qi Juanjuan recklessly confronted Qi Yuehong.
It didn't matter whether Qi Yuehong was willing or whether Zhao Lei was at fault first. In any case, Qi Juanjuan couldn't vent her grievances on Zhao Lei. So naturally, she had to confront Qi Yuehong directly.
Otherwise, Qi Juanjuan wouldn't be able to swallow that anger in her heart.
Hearing the tone of Qi Juanjuan, Qi Yuehong's expression turned cold.
She wasn't arguing with Qi Juanjuan because she couldn't win; rather, she had no intention of arguing with her. But if Qi Juanjuan insisted on making things difficult for her, she would absolutely not disappoint her sister-in-law.
Moreover, since Qi Juanjuan was now determined to study law, she certainly wouldn't back down easily and wouldn't remain silent as she had in the past.
"Qi Juanjuan, your words need evidence. I have never offended you; why do you insist on making things difficult for me?" Standing her ground, Qi Yuehong truly did not plan to leave. At the same time, she began to demand accountability from Qi Juanjuan.
"Oh! What kind of person do you think you are? Don't you know yourself? What are you pretending for in front of me?" The thing that annoyed Qi Juanjuan the most about Qi Yuehong was this pretentious demeanor.
In Qi Juanjuan's view, Qi Yuehong always loved to play the innocent victim. It made everyone believe that she was the one bullying Qi Yuehong every time.
Now in front of Zhao Lei, Qi Yuehong came at it again, which made Qi Juanjuan furious. "I'm not pretending, and I don't know what you're really mocking me about." Compared to Qi Juanjuan's sarcastic tone, Qi Yuehong's voice was calm and particularly upright. "Qi Juanjuan, although we share the same surname, we have never been close, and there is no sisterly bond between us. Now you insist on cornering me here; are you sure you’re not looking for trouble? If so, I’m not afraid of you. Come at me directly; don’t play dirty behind my back."
"Who’s playing dirty behind anyone's back? Qi Yuehong, who are you mocking? Even if our family has a Qi Tingting, it doesn’t mean everyone is like her. I’m not like Qi Tingting!" Unfortunately, this was Qi Juanjuan throwing a fit.
Qi Yuehong had never mentioned Qi Tingting from start to finish and hadn’t linked Qi Juanjuan to her at all. However, Qi Juanjuan insisted on bringing up Qi Tingting and splashing dirt on Qi Yuehong, which truly highlighted her own insecurity.
"Enough! Qi Juanjuan, shut your mouth! What business do you have here? Hurry up and get lost!" While Qi Juanjuan was busy looking for trouble with Qi Yuehong, she didn’t notice that Zhao Lei's expression had turned extremely unpleasant.
Zhao Lei had never liked Qi Juanjuan. Seeing her bully Qi Yuehong right in front of him made it even more surprising that he could be happy about it.
Thus, Qi Juanjuan was bombarded by Zhao Lei.
If it were just Qi Juanjuan and Zhao Lei present, she might have been able to endure his scolding.
But now that Qi Yuehong was watching from the side! Under such circumstances, being reprimanded by Zhao Lei made Qi Juanjuan's feelings particularly complicated.
"Qi Yuehong, this isn’t over between us!" Without arguing too much with Zhao Lei, Qi Juanjuan threw this remark at Qi Yuehong and turned to run away.
Qi Yuehong felt innocent and completely did not understand why Qi Juanjuan harbored such hatred towards her. Glancing at Zhao Lei, who stood still, she frowned and asked, "Aren't you going to chase after her?"
"Why should I chase after her?" It was clear that Qi Yuehong had misunderstood his relationship with Qi Juanjuan. Zhao Lei shook his head repeatedly, intending to explain to Qi Yuehong. "I’m not with Qi Juanjuan..."
"You two's relationship is none of my business." Interrupting Zhao Lei's explanation calmly, Qi Yuehong didn’t linger any longer and left directly.
Before leaving, Qi Yuehong still acted out of humanitarianism and reminded Zhao Lei, "If you really have no intention, then don't give people false hope."
Qi Yuehong was well aware that some things do not guarantee a reciprocal response just because they were done. However, if nothing is done and misunderstandings continue to arise, it would only make matters worse.
At least for Qi Yuehong herself, she had always acted this way. She had made her feelings clear to Zhao Lei from the very beginning.
Therefore, no matter how much Zhao Lei entangled her, she felt no guilt and did not owe anyone anything. Naturally, even if Zhao Lei continued to pursue her, she remained resolute and straightforward in her refusals.
Watching Qi Yuehong leave without any hesitation, Zhao Lei's expression changed slightly, and he couldn't help but punch the nearby tree.
He never had high hopes for a relationship with Qi Yuehong. With Qi Juanjuan constantly stirring things up, the possibility between him and Qi Yuehong diminished even further.
Zhao Lei harbored extreme disdain for Qi Juanjuan, wishing he could eliminate her entirely.
Indeed, such a sister would inevitably have a similar sister. If Qi Tingting was of such character, then Qi Juanjuan was not much better.
However, thinking of Qi Tingting made Zhao Lei break into a cold sweat.
Having to deal with someone as malicious as Qi Tingting was indeed a stroke of bad luck for the Tao Family.
Now that it was his turn to reflect on the relationship between Qi Juanjuan and Qi Tingting, and comparing it to his own situation with Tao Tao, Zhao Lei felt increasingly insecure.
No! He had to go home immediately and clarify things with his grandmother and mother!
What if Qi Juanjuan turned out to be the next Qi Tingting? Who would bear the consequences if his child were harmed? Could his grandmother handle it? Could his mother withstand it?
So, it's best not to get involved with someone like Qi Juanjuan. If he doesn't like Qi Juanjuan, then he just doesn't like her; there's no way he would marry her. Even if his grandmother and mother use all sorts of subtle tactics, he would firmly refuse.
With this thought in mind, Zhao Lei hurried back home.
Immediately, without holding back, a stream of complaints poured out.
"Hey, hey, Lei, hold on." As soon as Zhao Lei rushed into the house and started blaming her and Grandma Zhao, Chen Cui quickly grabbed Zhao Lei, "Shh, keep it down. Your grandmother is feeling upset right now! Let's calm down for a bit; we can talk about it later."
She couldn't let her Lei become Grandma Zhao's punching bag. Chen Cui absolutely would not tolerate that.
"What happened to my grandmother?" Suddenly hearing that Grandma Zhao was unhappy, Zhao Lei was taken aback. Who would dare to upset his grandmother? Looking at it this way, it didn't seem like his mother did it. Could there be someone else with such audacity? Even though he was Grandma Zhao's own grandson, Zhao Lei still had his doubts about this.
Comment 0 Comment Count