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Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
This can definitely be considered one of the rare moments when Cheng Fangfang is humble. Especially at this moment, the person she is being humble towards is Grandma Qi, which can be said to be a first in history.
In the past, after Great-Grandfather Qi passed away, Qi Feng had an accident, and the Qi Family fell into difficulties, Cheng Fangfang gradually stopped taking Grandma Qi, her mother-in-law, seriously.
Although Grandma Qi is an elder, Cheng Fangfang often acted as if she were above her, eager for everyone to know that her life was more comfortable than that of the Qi Zheng Family.
Over time, Cheng Fangfang completely lost her sense of hierarchy and nearly regarded Grandma Qi as someone she could easily belittle.
To keep Grandma Qi under her thumb, Cheng Fangfang was unrelenting in suppressing this elder in various ways. She would not miss any opportunity and was unwilling to suffer even the slightest loss.
This is also why Cheng Fangfang is particularly unlikable.
Now, Cheng Fangfang lowering her head is undoubtedly precious and extremely rare.
However, even if Cheng Fangfang sincerely came to apologize, Grandma Qi would not care.
Having lived to such an age, Grandma Qi has seen many things clearly. Even if Cheng Fangfang did not stand in front of her to make amends, she would not carry resentment against Cheng Fangfang to her grave.
At her age, Grandma Qi seeks more peace of mind. As for those who or what makes her uncomfortable, she has chosen to forget the past and does not intend to keep it in her heart.
Moreover, is Cheng Fangfang really here to apologize sincerely? Probably not!
If she truly were, Cheng Fangfang would not have brought a bowl of cooked pork over. By doing this, isn’t she indirectly forcing them to accept it?
Even the so-called gesture of goodwill carries ulterior motives and hidden agendas; how could Grandma Qi believe that Cheng Fangfang's apology is genuine?
Thus, Grandma Qi's refusal of Cheng Fangfang is as real as it gets.
"Take it back, we don't need it." No matter how nicely Cheng Fangfang spoke, Grandma Qi shook her head firmly.
Cheng Fangfang wanted to curse. After all she had done, didn't Grandma Qi think it was too much to bully her?
Fortunately, after the incident with Qi Tingting, Cheng Fangfang's patience had undeniably increased a bit. Her self-control and tolerance had slowly been honed through the gossip of the villagers.
Even though she felt like jumping up and cursing at that moment, Cheng Fangfang still held back.
At this moment, Cheng Fangfang completely gave up on the idea of showing off and honestly placed the bowl of pork on the stove in the Qi Zheng family's kitchen. "Mom, if you really can't stand it, just dump it all out! Since I've brought it into your kitchen, there's no way I'm taking it back. Otherwise, wouldn't Qi Erzhu beat me to death? If that happens, our family will be completely broken apart." With a hint of desperation in her tone, Cheng Fangfang quickly finished speaking and turned to leave.
What Cheng Fangfang said wasn't entirely false. Early that morning, when she was preparing the pork at home, Qi Erzhu not only saw it but also specifically asked about it.
Upon learning that Cheng Fangfang was preparing food for Qi Yuehong's graduation banquet and that it was a whole bowl of genuine pork, Qi Erzhu looked at Cheng Fangfang with newfound respect.
If there was anything left for Qi Erzhu to regard Cheng Fangfang highly for, it was only her actions and performance today.
If Qi Erzhu saw how Cheng Fangfang brought out a bowl of pork and then returned it all unchanged back home, it would be unbelievable if he didn't jump up in anger.
Cheng Fangfang left quickly; neither Grandma Qi nor Zhou Ju had time to call her back before she was already out of the kitchen.
After that, there was nothing more for Cheng Fangfang to deal with.
Looking at the bowl of pork placed on the stove, Zhou Ju was truly troubled. Turning to Grandma Qi, she said, "Mom, what do you think about this…"
"Put it on the table!" The words came out through clenched teeth; Grandma Qi was quite angry. "If she dares to put it on our stove, we dare to serve it on the table outside. After all, I raised Qi Erzhu; can we not eat this bowl of meat from his family?"
Undoubtedly, Grandma Qi intended to attribute this bowl of pork to Qi Erzhu rather than Cheng Fangfang.
As the biological mother of Qi Erzhu, Grandma Qi truly had nothing to refuse when it came to a pot of pork.
With Grandma Qi's gesture, Zhou Ju fell silent for a moment, nodded, and agreed.
Thus, at the joyous banquet table of the Qi Zheng Family that noon, an additional dish of pork, which everyone had noticed earlier, was added.
Regarding this phenomenon, many guests present did not seem overly concerned or confused.
After all, Cheng Fangfang had cooked it and brought it over; Grandma Qi was likely very reluctant to refuse. Furthermore, as the biological Second Uncle and Second Aunt of Qi Yuehong, it was just a pot of pork after all—was it really that significant?
In other families, it would be completely normal for relatives to bring over some meat dishes.
Many people held this thought, making Cheng Fangfang's pot of pork seem quite reasonable when it was served.
Zhao Jin did not touch that dish of pork, fearing that if she ate it, she would lose her clarity afterward.
She truly could not trust Cheng Fangfang and did not intend to fall into the trap set by her.
Qi Zheng also did not touch it. Ever since Qi Juanjuan entered the door until Cheng Fangfang left, Qi Zheng's expression had never been gentle. Even though he knew that his grandmother and mother had decided to keep this pot of pork, he genuinely could not eat it.
With Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng setting an example in front, Qi Ze and the others were particularly perceptive and began eating other dishes instead.
Even the children did not insist on eating that dish. Instead, they fought over other dishes and played happily.
In contrast, the other Fellow Villagers at the same table enjoyed their meal heartily. Before long, the pork on the table was nearly gone.
Although the Qi Zheng Family was not ostentatious people, due to Qi Yuehong's excellent exam results this time, it inevitably caused quite a stir. During lunch and dinner, the courtyard of the Qi Zheng Family was almost packed with people; eventually, they even set up tables outside the main door, truly making a grand scene.
Despite this grand display, Grandma Zhao and Zhao Guofu's family arrived and were not particularly welcomed; however, no one stopped them at the door.
On this beautiful day, Zhao Jin did not want to have a conflict with Grandma Zhao and the others. She pretended not to see them and focused on enjoying her peace.
However, Grandma Zhao was coming straight for Zhao Jin.
She rushed up to stand in front of Zhao Jin and reached out to grab her arm.
But Zhao Jin's reaction was quick enough; she dodged immediately.
After failing to catch her once, Grandma Zhao became more subdued.
Realizing that Zhao Jin was already on guard against her, Grandma Zhao felt a wave of complaints and grievances but showed none of it on her face: "Jin, it's been a long time since we last met. You've become even more beautiful! No wonder you're the daughter of the Zhao Family; you really bring honor to our family."
Faced with Grandma Zhao's insincere flattery, Zhao Jin forced a smile and nodded, showing no intention of engaging in conversation.
Grandma Zhao, naturally unwilling to perform a monologue, decided to directly ask: "When did you come back, Jin? Why haven't you gone to see Grandpa and Grandma?"
It was an inquiry that demanded a response from Zhao Jin.
At that moment, Zhao Jin seriously considered whether she should just pretend not to see Grandma Zhao and act as if she didn't know her. However, Grandma Zhao did not give her the chance to ignore her. The next moment, she continued, "Your parents didn't give me any notice before they came back. Are you planning to stay for a long time or just for a few days? I've already talked to your parents; this time you have to take your dear grandma with you. Otherwise, I won't agree."
Caught off guard by Grandma Zhao's public complaint, Zhao Jin couldn't help but laugh: "Grandma, who are you throwing a tantrum at now?"
Her parents would never agree to take Grandma Zhao to the city with them—unless they were ready to end their relationship altogether.
As for Grandma Zhao claiming she had already spoken with her parents? Zhao Jin could only think that one must be shameless to be invincible. Did Grandma Zhao really believe that standing just a few steps away from Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei would prevent them from exposing her lies?
If that were the case, then Zhao Jin could only conclude that Grandma Zhao had too high an opinion of herself.
No matter what, since Grandma Zhao has already lost all shame, Zhao Jin naturally would not hold back.
"What kind of tantrum is this? You girl, how can you talk to your grandmother like that? I am your own grandmother, your father's real mother!" Grandma Zhao was quite adept at playing the victim. She first asserted her own status and then shamelessly continued to act unreasonable.
However, unfortunately for her, Zhao Jin was not swayed by Grandma Zhao's tactics. Therefore, no matter how eloquent Grandma Zhao's words were, Zhao Jin simply stood there calmly, her reaction truly indifferent. Grandma Zhao had prepared herself mentally for this. Even when faced with Zhao Jin's cold treatment, she was not immediately deterred. On the contrary, Grandma Zhao quickly composed herself and continued to play the emotional card with Zhao Jin: "Jin, you are now a mother of three children; you can finally understand the hardships and difficulties of being an elder. I have endured so much over the years. It has been tough. Finally seeing you all succeed makes me genuinely happy. In the future, we will be living under the same roof. Let me apologize to you first for the unhappy times in the past; let's forget about them together..."
Zhao Jin did not interrupt Grandma Zhao; she simply let her ramble on. As for the content of Grandma Zhao's words, Zhao Jin couldn't be bothered to critique it and simply let it go in one ear and out the other.
Thus, despite Grandma Zhao's lengthy speech, she ultimately received not even a hint of sympathy or compassion from Zhao Jin, let alone forgiveness.
Zhao Jin would never forget Grandma Zhao's past actions. To her, even if Grandma Zhao was indeed an elder, she could not bring herself to forgive or understand.
Grandma Zhao could scold her for being ungrateful or accuse her of being disrespectful; Zhao Jin would accept it all without rebuttal.
However, if Grandma Zhao thought she could gain any advantage or benefit from her, she was truly mistaken. There were no feelings left for Grandma Zhao in Zhao Jin's heart. No matter what Grandma Zhao did or said, it would be futile.
Grandma Zhao did not expect that Zhao Jin would be so unyielding. After all, she was the elder who had taken the initiative to lower herself before Zhao Jin; shouldn't Zhao Jin immediately follow the path she provided and reconcile with her?
Yet, instead of a joyful scene of reconciliation, all Grandma Zhao received was Zhao Jin's cold indifference. Just looking at her made Grandma Zhao feel particularly infuriated.
However, no matter how angry she felt, she had to endure it. Zhao Jin was her last retreat. If even this escape route were blocked off, Grandma Zhao would truly find it impossible to reach a prosperous life in City. "Jin..." After being strong-willed for most of her life, Grandma Zhao had thought that in her old age she could enjoy wealth and honor. With sons and grandsons to rely on and daughters-in-law and granddaughters showing respect and filial piety, she never expected that the family she had high hopes for—Zhao Guofu's family—would end up like this.
On the contrary, the family of Zhao Guoqiang whom Grandma Zhao had always looked down upon unexpectedly reached new heights in life without her noticing and could move from Willow Leaf Village to City to live a carefree life.
Such a stark contrast deeply affected Grandma Zhao's entire mindset. Now, no matter how she viewed her situation, she felt excessively pitiful. She no longer cherished her hometown of Willow Leaf Village and only wished to leave immediately.
With such emotions and thoughts, Grandma Zhao was eager to restore her relationship with Zhao Guoqiang's family and play the emotional card.
In Grandma Zhao's mind, only by going to City could she truly live a good life. Only in City could she genuinely feel proud and glorious.
This was also the fundamental reason why Grandma Zhao particularly wanted to befriend Zhao Jin and Zhao Guoqiang.
Faced with Grandma Zhao's obvious manipulation and influence, Zhao Jin felt quite helpless.
At this moment, she genuinely thought that Grandma Zhao's previous cold treatment towards her was not so bad. At least she didn't have to confront Grandma Zhao's hypocritical facade directly.
Compared to the past when Grandma Zhao despised her for being genuine, the current Grandma Zhao seemed overly pretentious; both her expressions and tone were too fake.
With a long sigh, Zhao Jin pursed her lips and asked, "Grandma, what exactly do you want?" To Grandma Zhao, Zhao Jin's tone sounded like compromise and concession. She immediately felt delighted and smiled: "Jin, Grandma doesn't want anything. I just want to live together with you all in peace and enjoy family happiness. Our family will definitely be very happy in the future."
What a pleasant surprise! A complete unexpected joy! Indeed, the strategy of approaching Zhao Jin was correct. Thinking of this, Grandma Zhao's mood was incredibly excited, looking at Zhao Jin as if she saw a golden ingot, filled with joy.
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