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Back to the Eighties: A Pampered Marriage
The attitude of Wu Feng's Wife is easy to understand. She can defeat Wu Feng, and in their life together, it is Wu Feng who gets beaten. She has no reason to insist on a divorce. Conversely, once Wu Feng becomes strong enough to beat her, it would be her turn to get hit.
She doesn't have a peculiar liking for being beaten while feeling happy, nor does she plan to stand there obediently and take the hits. Once Wu Feng's strength surpasses hers, she would be eager to divorce him immediately. Otherwise, wouldn't she just become the second Zhao Ying'er?
On this point alone, Wu Feng's Wife thinks things through thoroughly and is quite open-minded.
Wu Feng has no idea what his wife is currently contemplating. He feels that this woman is deliberately humiliating him. If he wants a divorce, why must he first defeat her? Who does this woman think she is to unilaterally decide his life?
Wu Feng prides himself on having completed high school; he considers himself educated and looks down on this ignorant woman who has only attended school. In his own definition, his perspective is the hard truth, the reality.
Thus, the more his wife refuses to agree, the more determined Wu Feng becomes to get a divorce. Over this matter alone, they have fought countless times without reaching a resolution.
Under such circumstances, both Wu Feng and Wu Feng's Parents are utterly exhausted, leaving them little energy to deal with Zhao Ying'er who comes knocking at their door.
According to Wu Feng's Parents, having one troublesome child at home is already enough to drive them mad; adding Zhao Ying'er into the mix would surely be the end of them!
As for the daughter born by Zhao Ying'er, Wu Feng's Parents feel even more conflicted about her now.
Initially, they had no intention of acknowledging this granddaughter. Just a girl; they weren't interested. Moreover, their son Wu Feng was supposed to marry again and have more children; whether or not this girl existed was irrelevant.
However, now observing the dynamic between Wu Feng and his wife, Wu Feng's Parents genuinely begin to worry that Zhao Ying'er's daughter might be Wu Feng's only child.
After all, these two hardly find any peace between their constant fighting; how could they even think about having children?
Wu Feng's Parents have come to realize that Wu Feng indeed does not like his new wife and looks down on her. Just look at how they even sleep in separate rooms at night—this hardly resembles a couple who intends to live happily together.
At this point, Wu Feng's Mother no longer dares to mention that she is still young and not in a hurry for grandchildren. If it comes down to it and they end up with no grandchildren because of all this turmoil, it would be Wu Feng's Mother who bears the blame—she wouldn't even know where to go to cry about it.
However, speaking of the girl that Zhao Ying'er brought back, Wu Feng's Mother really does not like her.
She doesn't look plump enough and has a pitiful, shabby appearance that is not at all endearing.
Wu Feng's Mother had once carefully observed Zhao Jinsheng's three children. The two boys were robust and lively, clearly full of energy. The youngest daughter was also quite nice, cute and pretty, and the key was that she always wore a sweet smile on her face, making her very likable.
With that comparison in mind, when she turned back to look at Zhao Ying'er's daughter, Wu Feng's Mother could only shake her head in disapproval.
It was clear that they had chosen the wrong daughter-in-law initially! Oh no, that's not right; they hadn't chosen wrong from the start. They had originally set their sights on Zhao Jin. It was just that later on, Zhao Ying'er shamelessly switched the engagement!
Even after all this time, Wu Feng's Mother still holds a strong disdain for Zhao Ying'er.
Sometimes Wu Feng's Mother would maliciously mutter a few words, wondering how Zhao Ying'er could be so skilled at manipulating situations but failed to meddle in the marriage between Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng.
Of course, Wu Feng's Mother did not want to see Zhao Ying'er marry Qi Zheng and live a life of luxury. After much time and comparison, she still felt that Zhao Jin was the best daughter-in-law.
Thus, Wu Feng's Mother wanted to wait for Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin to divorce so she could immediately bring Zhao Jin back into the family.
If it were Zhao Jin, Wu Feng's Mother firmly believed that Wu Feng would be more than willing. Their family would quickly return to its former peace and happiness.
Wu Feng's Mother is quite thoughtful. She not only thinks for herself but also considers Wu Feng and the family, even going so far as to think about Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng.
Despite her careful consideration, she completely ignores the fact that her son is not even one percent comparable to Qi Zheng.
Especially in the current situation, where does Wu Feng's Mother get the audacity to covet Zhao Jin and think about disrupting Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng's marriage and family?
Does Wu Feng have Qi Zheng's ability to earn money? Does he have Qi Zheng's sense of responsibility? Does he possess all the various qualities that Qi Zheng has?
Not to mention anything else, just in terms of caring for his wife, Wu Feng is completely outmatched and doesn't even qualify to be compared with Qi Zheng.
Now it's not just Zhou Tai Village; even Willow Leaf Village and the surrounding areas have heard about all the troubles in Wu Feng's family. From the previous Zhao Ying'er to the current new daughter-in-law, Wu Feng can be said to be someone who only knows how to commit domestic violence.
However, the previous Zhao Ying'er was too weak; apart from obediently being abused by Wu Feng, she could do nothing else. But the new daughter-in-law is different; she directly starts to beat up Wu Feng, and it serves him right for his misdeeds.
Therefore, many villagers are watching the events at Wu Feng's house with a sense of amusement. Given Wu Feng's family's character, it is only fitting that they have such a new daughter-in-law.
Wu Feng's Mother may not be directly involved, but she thinks this way. Zhao Ying'er, the one who suffered greatly, surely feels the same way.
If given another chance, she would never fall into Wu Feng's trap again. Qi Zheng is so much better! Handsome and able to earn money, and most importantly, he treats his wife well!
Every time she thinks about how Qi Zheng cherishes Zhao Jin and then recalls her experiences in the Wu Family, Zhao Ying'er wishes she could strangle Wu Feng.
Even if there is a natural comparison between people, it shouldn't be so hurtful!
Zhao Ying'er's frustration at this moment also reflects Wu Feng's torment.
Wu Feng, who does not feel that he is better off than Zhao Ying'er, shares the same thoughts. Why did he care so much about face back then and refuse to fight for himself?
At that time, if he had just moved a finger or opened his mouth, he could have easily married Zhao Jin!
Thus, there would be no later events involving Zhao Ying'er and the current woman.
The more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable and frustrated he felt, so Wu Feng simply slammed the door and left.
He could no longer stay in this house! That woman wouldn’t agree to divorce him; couldn’t he just leave on his own?
Coincidentally, just as Wu Feng stepped out and hadn’t walked far, he ran into Zhao Ying'er again, who was holding a child and looking for him.
In a bad mood, Wu Feng's expression and attitude towards Zhao Ying'er were very poor; he didn’t say a single kind word to her.
Zhao Ying'er didn’t mind being treated this way by Wu Feng. All she cared about was securing a future for herself and her daughter. She had long been accustomed to Wu Feng’s attitude.
Did he really think she was still the naive Zhao Ying'er who genuinely liked Wu Feng and wanted to spend her life happily with him?
By now, Zhao Ying'er has come to terms with things. She no longer harbors any feelings for Wu Feng. The reason she keeps seeking him out is simply to find a shelter for herself and her daughter.
The Zhao Family is certainly good, but it is merely her maternal family; it makes no sense for them to continue supporting the two of them. Currently, her grandmother and mother have not yet spoken about driving them away, but that is only because their attention is focused on how to persuade Uncle's family to take them to the city for a better life.
Once they realize that moving to the city is just a fantasy, they will inevitably understand that they cannot enjoy such a life. Zhao Ying'er has no doubt that she will be the next one to be dealt with.
By then, it will be too late for her to seek a place of her own.
Therefore, no matter what, she must first secure Wu Feng. At the very least, the child in her arms is undoubtedly Wu Feng's. He should take responsibility for this child and compensate her with happiness for the rest of her life.
Zhao Ying'er no longer dares to hope for Qi Zheng. She does not intend to compare herself with Zhao Jin anymore. The more she compares, the more painful it becomes; she accepts that she does not have that kind of fate.
Due to her harsh demeanor, Wu Feng initially thought that Zhao Ying'er would argue fiercely with him or even resort to violence.
However, in reality, Zhao Ying'er's patience was far greater than he had imagined. No matter how coldly he spoke to her, she simply endured it quietly.
Seeing Zhao Ying'er like this made Wu Feng inexplicably regretful.
Thinking about the vicious woman at home who only knows how to hit him, Wu Feng truly cannot understand why he divorced Zhao Ying'er in the first place.
If he hadn't divorced her, at least he wouldn't be in a situation where he has no home to return to and must find a way out for himself. Now he even has to look for a place to stay; it's frustrating no matter how he thinks about it.
Thus, what people fear most is comparison. What once seemed good can easily become less so through comparison. Conversely, what once seemed bad might unexpectedly turn good.
As for distinguishing between good and bad in this context, it can only be judged case by case; self-reflection is valuable.
Wu Feng lacks the ability for self-reflection and does not intend to engage in it. In his world, he is the best. Anyone who opposes him is a villain or an evil person. Therefore, there is no need to differentiate between right and wrong; anyone who defies him should not exist.
And those who do not defy him... like Zhao Ying'er standing before him at this moment, suddenly appear very pleasing to his eyes.
Since Zhao Ying'er seems more agreeable than the woman at home, Wu Feng's gaze fell upon the child in Zhao Ying'er's arms. Unconsciously, his thoughts began to stir.
Perhaps, for the sake of this child, he could give Zhao Ying'er another chance? And maybe he and that woman at home could reach an end?
As he added drama to his thoughts, Wu Feng suddenly felt enlightened.
That's right, that's how it should be. Once he brings Zhao Ying'er and her daughter home, what would that fierce woman at home have to do with it?
Oh right, he couldn't go back immediately. Given the comparison of combat abilities between Zhao Ying'er and that woman at home, Zhao Ying'er was no match at all. He couldn't just walk in and get thrown out!
After pondering this, Wu Feng decided to take decisive action.
If the straightforward approach wouldn't work, then he would take a more covert one. Since he couldn't stay at the Wu Family, he would stay at the Zhao Family!
After all, they were his former in-laws; he had plenty of reasons to be there.
Wu Feng was indeed thick-skinned enough; this time he was completely resolute. Ignoring the curious gazes from outsiders, he simply followed Zhao Ying'er to the Zhao Family.
Grandma Zhao's family never expected that one day Zhao Ying'er would bring Wu Feng back home.
If Wu Feng were still single like Zhao Ying'er, that would be one thing. The key issue was that Wu Feng had already married someone else! That made it a different matter entirely.
"What are you doing in our house, you bastard?" The first person to shout at Wu Feng was Grandma Zhao.
Grandma Zhao had been in a bad mood lately; nothing seemed to go well for her, and she found fault with everyone. Upon seeing Wu Feng, her anger flared up again, and she began to yell at him.
On the way there, Wu Feng had already prepared himself mentally. He knew very well that with Grandma Zhao's temper, she wouldn't let him off easily.
However, compared to being humiliated at home by his own wife, being scolded by an elder like Grandma Zhao wasn't so hard for Wu Feng to accept.
"Grandma, I'm here to see Ying'er and the child." At this critical moment, Wu Feng was quite adept at putting on a facade. Faced with Grandma Zhao's furious expression, he immediately softened his tone and tried to appease her.
If this had been before Wu Feng divorced Zhao Ying'er, when he came to curry favor with Grandma Zhao, it would have likely worked very well.
Alternatively, if Wu Feng is currently doing well, he has some of Qi Zheng's demeanor and presence. There is no need for him to please Grandma Zhao; she has already taken the initiative to please Wu Feng herself.
Unfortunately, Wu Feng indeed lacks this capability, and thus cannot become the ideal choice for Grandma Zhao's son-in-law.
Therefore, even though Wu Feng rarely offered her a smile, Grandma Zhao was still completely unresponsive: "You, a divorced man, why aren't you at home with your new wife? What are you doing here looking for Ying'er? Do you really think our family has no one left and that Ying'er is easy to bully?"
Grandma Zhao's words were quite unkind.
The entire Willow Leaf Village knows that Zhao Ying'er’s divorce is a fact. But at the same time, isn't Zhao Daxi's situation more infuriating and distressing for the fellow villagers?
As for who is right or wrong between Zhao Ying'er and Wu Feng, they themselves can't even sort it out, let alone the onlooking fellow villagers. Thus, regarding their separation, no one mentions right or wrong; everyone remains a bystander.
In contrast, Zhao Daxi and Wang Jun's situation is clearly Wang Jun's fault. In the entire Willow Leaf Village, who isn’t blaming Wang Jun for his wrongdoing?
But what about Grandma Zhao? From beginning to end, she has never said a word in support of Zhao Daxi and has not stepped forward to defend him even once.
Ultimately, Grandma Zhao's heart has long been biased. This applies to Zhao Guoqiang and Zhao Guofu as well; it’s the same with the next generation of granddaughters. Previously, Zhao Jin could not compare to Zhao Ying'er, and now Zhao Daxi also failed to stand out, still losing to Zhao Ying'er...
However, regardless of Grandma Zhao's behavior, it does not affect Zhao Jin's family living better and better. As for Zhao Ying'er, even with Grandma Zhao's protection and support, she ultimately could not achieve a good life.
From this, it can be seen that Grandma Zhao's era has long passed. It’s just a pity that she remains trapped in her own world and refuses to step out. Even now, she still thinks very highly of herself.
In the past, Wu Feng actually did not buy into Grandma Zhao's act. Ever since he paid the bride price to the Zhao family, he never regarded her as an elder worth respecting. After all, at that time he did not like Zhao Ying'er at all and naturally did not care whether Grandma Zhao or anyone else liked him.
As for this moment, with other calculations in mind, Wu Feng did not show his displeasure towards Grandma Zhao as directly as before; instead, he easily accepted her cold words.
At the same time, Wu Feng unusually put in effort to flatter Grandma Zhao: "Grandma, I’m not regretting it; I know I was wrong!"
Grandma Zhao didn’t care whether Wu Feng was here to apologize or not. From her standpoint, she didn’t value Wu Feng at all right now. Therefore, she would rather have him keep his distance from their family to avoid causing any further trouble.
However, since Wu Feng had come to the Zhao family with intentions in mind, he had already made plans and preparations. Despite facing Grandma Zhao's unwelcoming attitude at this moment, he thickened his skin and ignored it.
He had nowhere else to go at the moment. The money in his pocket wasn't much, so where could he act tough in the Zhao Family?
On the contrary, wouldn't that just mean facing some disdain? He could just endure it, couldn't he?
Grandma Zhao actually intended to drive Wu Feng away. However, at a critical moment, Chen Cui managed to stop Grandma Zhao in time.
Now was not the time to kick Wu Feng out. Was Wu Feng regretting it and wanting to take Zhao Ying'er and her daughter back?
Thinking this way, Chen Cui was more than happy for Wu Feng not to leave and hoped to settle this matter as soon as possible.
Zhao Ying'er was not the same as she used to be. With a daughter to care for, remarrying would be very difficult. If Wu Feng could take them back, it would undoubtedly be the best arrangement.
After all, keeping Zhao Ying'er and her daughter at the Maternal Family wasn't ideal. If it were for a short time, they could just treat it as a visit, and staying for a couple of days wouldn't matter. But over time, even Chen Cui began to feel a bit annoyed seeing Zhao Ying'er and her daughter eating and drinking at their home.
They weren't even the granddaughters of the Zhao Family; why should they be raised by them? If Zhao Ying'er really couldn't support this child, she should just send her directly to the Wu Family! Why didn't the Wu Family take care of their own child?
For this reason, Chen Cui had been brewing this thought in her mind several times but had always held back from mentioning it directly to Zhao Ying'er.
But now it was different. With Wu Feng coming right to their doorstep, Chen Cui was eager to take this opportunity to send both Zhao Ying'er and her daughter away.
As for whether Zhao Ying'er and her daughter would return to the Wu Family or live separately outside in the future, she didn't care; that would be up to Wu Feng to worry about.
With such thoughts in mind, Chen Cui not only did not urge Wu Feng to leave like Grandma Zhao did but also helped dissuade Grandma Zhao.
At first, Grandma Zhao didn't grasp Chen Cui's intention and almost got into an argument with her. It wasn't until Chen Cui pulled her aside and explained properly that she slowly began to understand.
"Fine, then let him take Ying'er and the child away. What does it matter if they are left here? The Old Wu Family hasn't given us any money; we shouldn't raise someone else's child for free." Grandma Zhao had her own thoughts about this matter too.
But it wasn't like there was no other choice! They couldn't force Zhao Ying'er to wander outside with her child, sleeping in a haystack!
Grandma Zhao could be that ruthless with Zhao Jin. However, when it came to Zhao Ying'er, she still felt some sympathy.
This was yet another stroke of luck for Zhao Ying'er. At the very least, Grandma Zhao still had some affection for her. This was something that even Zhao Guoqiang, her biological son, could not compare to!
Regardless, Wu Feng ultimately stayed at the Zhao Family. He lived in the same house as Zhao Ying'er and her mother, and he did not act like an outsider; the Zhao Family did not say a word against it either.
Grandfather Zhao and Zhao Guofu were both informed by Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui. Knowing that the two women wanted Wu Feng to take Zhao Ying'er and her mother away, they remained silent for a moment and did not oppose it.
After all, they couldn't keep Zhao Ying'er at home forever! This was certainly not a long-term solution, and both Grandfather Zhao and Zhao Guofu were well aware of that.
So, it was best to leave it to Wu Feng! Besides him, it seemed no one else was willing to help raise this girl born to Zhao Ying'er.
While Grandfather Zhao and the others thought lightly of the situation, they did not realize that in Wu Feng's heart, he truly did not see this girl as his own daughter.
There was no way around it; after all, he had had such an embarrassing fallout with Zhao Ying'er back then! Even if he could prove that this girl was indeed his daughter, Wu Feng would still feel uncomfortable about it.
If he wasn't careful, he would feel like this was undeniable proof that Zhao Ying'er had cheated on him. So how could he possibly be willing to like this girl? On the contrary, whenever there was a chance, Wu Feng would wish to send this child far away.
Of course, even though Wu Feng currently harbored such thoughts, he could not act too excessively before that time came.
He had to wait until he successfully divorced that fierce woman from his family before he could properly discuss how to deal with this troublesome girl with Zhao Ying'er.
Wu Feng arrived at Willow Leaf Village and moved into the Zhao Family, walking alongside Zhao Ying'er the entire way. With so many villagers around, how could they not notice? Rumors spread quickly, creating quite a stir.
Wu Feng's family soon learned of this matter and felt both angry and embarrassed.
Wu Feng's parents knew very well that Wu Feng was determined to divorce his wife. However, no matter what, Wu Feng could not go looking for Zhao Ying'er! Just listen to how harshly the fellow villagers spoke! How would they face people in the future?
Wu Feng's wife also heard about this matter. Compared to Wu Feng's parents who just sat at home worrying, Wu Feng's wife was much more formidable. Without hesitation, she decided to confront them directly.
However, this time Wu Feng's wife did not go alone. She specifically returned to her maternal family and called everyone she could think of—those who should be called and those who shouldn't.
A large group of people headed towards Grandma Zhao's house in Willow Leaf Village.
At that time, the Zhao Family was all at home. Because of the uproar caused by Grandma Zhao, which had stirred public outrage, they were not particularly willing to go out unless necessary.
After all, once they stepped outside, it was easy for people to point fingers and spread unflattering gossip. They felt more comfortable staying at home!
However, even though the entire family was at home, they were still frightened by the commotion caused by Wu Feng's Wife.
"What are you doing? Do you have no respect for the law? You dare to gather at my house and cause trouble? Do you believe I will fight you?" At this critical moment, Grandma Zhao was the most formidable. Regardless of the other party's intentions, she shouted out her threats without hesitation.
Grandma Zhao's fierceness was well-known. In the past, when conflicts arose, everyone tried to avoid confronting her to prevent dealing with such an unreasonable elder, as they would ultimately be the ones to suffer.
However, the incident that had angered the public had already spread widely; who in the nearby villages hadn't heard about it? Thus, no matter how loudly Grandma Zhao shouted now, it was of little use. Very few people would be intimidated by her.
Moreover, in this situation, it was clear that Grandma Zhao's family was in the wrong, and Wu Feng's Wife was not backing down at all. The first to confront Grandma Zhao was her: "You old hag, who are you shouting at? If it's a fight you want, then bring it on! Do you really think I'm afraid of you? My man has been taken away by your family; what do I have to fear? Whether you want to fight or not, I won't let your family have it easy!"
"How can you speak like that? Is there no respect? My mother is still your elder; how can you act so recklessly?" Chen Cui knew Wu Feng's Wife. It was precisely because she knew her that she couldn't back down. Otherwise, Zhao Ying'er and her mother would be even worse off.
At the very least, they couldn't lose face at this moment. Otherwise, Zhao Ying'er would have an even harder time holding her head high in front of the Wu Family in the future. "Wow, there are still people like you who consider themselves elders! You’ve lost all shame and dignity but expect me to support you? Have you looked at what you've done? How dare you act like an elder in front of me! Fine, I'll call you elders if you return my man!"
Wu Feng's Wife was indeed not someone to be underestimated. She stood her ground against both Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui without losing any ground; she was truly impressive.
The expressions on Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui's faces darkened significantly. Being publicly slapped in the face by someone like her was intolerable.
In the next moment, both Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui decided to take action. They were ready to fight!
Their plan seemed good; after all, they were two against one, which should have been fine. Unfortunately for them, they underestimated Wu Feng's Wife's combat skills and strength.
When it comes to fighting, Wu Feng's Wife truly fears no one. After all, she had been practicing her skills at home with Wu Feng, so how could she possibly be afraid of Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui now?
So, let the fighting begin! She is not someone who can be easily intimidated.
Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui never expected that even when they teamed up, they couldn't defeat Wu Feng's Wife alone. Although Wu Feng's Wife may not be very big, they were not pushovers either, yet they ended up losing?
That's right, Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui lost, and it was quite embarrassing.
With their fighting experience, Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui usually resorted to grabbing faces and pulling hair. But Wu Feng's Wife was different.
If Wu Feng's Wife had only used the same tactics of grabbing faces and pulling hair when fighting with Wu Feng, she would definitely have ended up on the ground begging for mercy. Instead, she fought like a man—kicking and punching.
This was the first time Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui experienced such a fighting style, which threw them completely off balance. In the end, they were pinned to the ground by Wu Feng's Wife.
Seeing how badly Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui were being beaten, Grandfather Zhao and Zhao Guofu actually wanted to step in to help. Unfortunately, Wu Feng's Wife had brought her maternal family along, and they were no pushovers either.
There was nothing Grandfather Zhao and Zhao Guofu could do but watch helplessly as Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui suffered.
Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui were nearly furious. It wasn't that there were no men in the family, but they still got beaten up. The most frustrating part was that this beating felt utterly unjustified. Yet, they truly couldn't fight back.
Zhao Guoqiang had rushed over after hearing the news from fellow villagers. He happened to be in the village to collect vegetables today, as usual with Qi Dayong. He never expected to hear that Grandma Zhao was being beaten.
"Stop it!" After all, she was his own mother. If Zhao Guoqiang hadn't been in Willow Leaf Village, it would have been one thing. But since he was indeed present, he couldn't just stand by like Grandfather Zhao and Zhao Guofu.
Zhao Guoqiang didn't come alone; all the villagers from Willow Leaf Village wanted to sell vegetables to him, so they naturally followed along.
With Zhao Guoqiang's arrival, a crowd quickly filled Grandma Zhao's yard.
Seeing so many villagers from Willow Leaf Village arrive and hearing Zhao Guoqiang's shout, Wu Feng's Wife wisely stopped her attack. She didn't think of herself as some kind of supreme ruler. The reason she had been able to easily overpower Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui was partly because those two had initiated the fight first and partly because no one from the Zhao Family had stopped her! Now that there were people coming out to intervene, Wu Feng's Wife pursed her lips and moved to stand with her maternal family.
Zhao Guoqiang never expected to see such a scene. Although there were indeed many strangers standing in the yard, how could his father and Zhao Guofu just stand there without moving while Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui were being attacked?
“Dad, Fourth Brother, you guys…” Zhao Guoqiang was very angry. So he directly wanted to reason with Grandfather Zhao and Zhao Guofu.
However, as soon as he opened his mouth, Grandfather Zhao and Zhao Guofu were the first to react defensively.
Interrupting Zhao Guoqiang's accusations, Grandfather Zhao waved his hand and impatiently said, “Enough! Why are you always here? What are you back for?”
Deep down, Grandfather Zhao was naturally relieved that Zhao Guoqiang appeared at this moment. After all, Zhao Guoqiang's return clearly supported the Zhao Family. Even the group of people causing trouble at their home quieted down.
But at the same time, Zhao Guoqiang's appearance also dealt a blow to Grandfather Zhao. It made him feel quite embarrassed and particularly speechless.
He felt that Zhao Guoqiang highlighted his own incompetence and helplessness, which made Grandfather Zhao extremely angry.
Thus, Grandfather Zhao felt both hatred and anger towards Zhao Guoqiang, and his words and tone were particularly unpleasant.
When the fellow villagers heard Grandfather Zhao's tone, they immediately became dissatisfied. Regardless of how bad Grandfather Zhao's expression looked, they confronted him right away.
“Grandfather Zhao, aren’t you being a bit excessive? Uncle Zhao hasn’t even finished speaking yet, and you’re already scolding him?”
“Old man Zhao, are you getting senile? How good is this kid Guoqiang? He’s both filial and capable; how can you be so ungrateful?”
“Uncle Zhao, you’re wrong for this! How can you treat Guoqiang like this? If it weren’t for Guoqiang coming back in time, Aunt Zhao and Fourth Sister-in-Law would still be pinned down and beaten!”
In the end, this villager spoke some hard truths. If it weren’t for Zhao Guoqiang’s return, Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui would indeed still be getting beaten. It was precisely because of this villager's factual statement that it struck a nerve with Grandfather Zhao that he was unwilling to face.
Yes, Zhao Guoqiang was capable; he felt useless as a father. Once Zhao Guoqiang returned, Wu Feng's Wife didn’t dare to make a move anymore. He had just stood there watching from beginning to end without being of any help—was he just a useless bystander?
The more the fellow villagers spoke up for Zhao Guoqiang, the angrier Grandfather Zhao became; he was on the verge of exploding at everyone in the yard.
However, Grandfather Zhao was indeed somewhat strong on the outside but weak on the inside. No matter how much he cursed inwardly, he didn’t dare to say a word outwardly.
After all, their family has already drawn the ire of many. If they make another mistake, they might really be unable to stay in Willow Leaf Village any longer.
He has lived his entire life in Willow Leaf Village; if he leaves, where else could he go?
Surely he wouldn't want to end up like Grandma Zhao, dreaming of being taken by Zhao Guoqiang to the City to enjoy a life of luxury? Even if he wanted that, it would require Zhao Guoqiang to actually cooperate and show filial piety towards them. Grandfather Zhao is certainly not like Grandma Zhao. Some dreams can be entertained by Grandma Zhao, but Grandfather Zhao cannot keep them at the forefront of his mind all the time. Regarding the idea of moving to the City, Grandfather Zhao has already gone with the flow and accepted it. As for Zhao Guoqiang, his son, Grandfather Zhao is increasingly disappointed and does not wish to look at him any longer.
In any case, Zhao Guoqiang does not share the same mindset as him and Grandma Zhao; he is simply an ungrateful wolf raised by them. It has been this way in the past, and it will surely remain the same now and in the future.
Thus, Grandfather Zhao regards Willow Leaf Village as his roots and will not easily abandon it. He wants to spend his old age there and wishes to be buried on the hills of Willow Leaf Village when he dies, returning to where he belongs.
If he can no longer stay in Willow Leaf Village, Grandfather Zhao cannot even imagine how desolate and miserable that scene would be.
Therefore, faced with so many accusations, Grandfather Zhao actually feels guilty and uneasy. His confidence is far from what it used to be, and even the words he wants to use to scold Zhao Guoqiang are swallowed back down. At least he still needs to consider his image and position in the eyes of the fellow villagers in Willow Leaf Village. Otherwise, he would truly lose his reputation in his later years.
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