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Back to the 80s: A Cherished Marriage
At this lunch, Zhao Jin finally took action. However, the chef was still Zhou Ju; Zhao Jin was merely standing by to lend a hand.
According to Zhou Ju, Zhao Jin didn't need to come to the kitchen to help at all. One person was enough.
Nevertheless, Zhao Jin always smiled and shook her head, insisting on staying in the kitchen. Even if she wasn't doing much, she had no intention of leaving.
The Qi Family treated her well, which was her blessing. But she shouldn't become arrogant due to their affection and forget her roots. This was a matter of principle that she had to uphold at all times.
Seeing Zhao Jin so determined, Zhou Ju smiled as well and didn't say much more, going along with Zhao Jin's wishes.
"Grandma, Sister-in-law is really nice," Qi Yuehong couldn't help but say to Grandma Qi during a break while learning to sew.
"This is our Qi Family's blessing, and also your elder brother's blessing," Grandma Qi was naturally very pleased with Zhao Jin. She patted Qi Yuehong's shoulder and gently reminded her several times. The main point was for Qi Yuehong to get closer to Zhao Jin since they were both from the maternal family, making it easier for them to bond.
Even without Grandma Qi's reminders, Qi Yuehong would have done so anyway. She nodded vigorously in agreement.
Meanwhile, in a corner of the yard, the four sons of the Qi Family were chatting while sharpening wood. Of course, Qi Ze did most of the talking. Qi Rui chimed in occasionally, while Qi Zheng completely refrained from participating.
"Elder brother, honestly, our Sister-in-law is really great." As the conversation flowed, Qi Ze eventually turned the topic back to Zhao Jin.
"Mm." Originally silent, Qi Zheng finally responded with a word in light of Zhao Jin.
Qi Ze couldn't help but feel frustrated. Every time he talked with his elder brother, it was easy for the conversation to die; his brother was not a good conversational partner at all.
Pouting, Qi Ze simply turned to look at Qi Rui: "Rui, why don't you learn sewing too? Look how happy your sister is learning."
"Second Brother, I'm a boy." Qi Rui shot an annoyed glance at Qi Ze and raised the piece of wood in his hand. "I want to learn woodworking from Elder Brother."
"Hey! You can learn both! Aren't you the smartest kid in our family? You always score nearly full marks on tests; can't you manage these two simple skills?" Qi Ze was definitely just making conversation and joking with Qi Rui to pass the time.
Qi Rui lifted his head and looked deeply at Qi Ze, replying leisurely, "Second Brother, I finally understand why, despite both of us learning woodworking from Grandpa, you only grasp the surface while Eldest Brother can learn the essence."
"What reason?" Qi Ze was always one to forget lessons but remember food. Time and again he failed to learn from his mistakes. At this moment, a clear pit was laid before him, yet he insisted on jumping right in.
"Because you talk too much and lack the focus and dedication that Eldest Brother has," Qi Rui said bluntly.
Qi Ze was taken aback for a moment, then unwillingly shouted, "Whose fault is that? I study hard and focus well, okay? It's just that Eldest Brother is more talented than I am; I don't have his gifts, so I can't learn as well. Besides, what does talking too much have to do with learning woodworking? Grandpa never told us not to talk when he was teaching!"
"Grandpa has already seen through your nature and knows your mouth can't be shut, so he just gave up on you," Qi Rui said. Usually looking like an adult, it was only when he argued with Qi Ze that a hint of childishness showed.
"Qi Rui, are you looking for a fight? Do you believe I will hit you?" Qi Ze, feeling insulted by being called a "broken pot," immediately protested, pointing the piece of wood in his hand at Qi Rui.
"I don't believe it," Qi Rui replied defiantly, emphasizing each word to provoke Qi Ze, which only made him angrier.
"How dare you! Eldest Brother, don't stop me; I must teach this brat a lesson!" Qi Ze made a fierce expression.
"I wasn't planning to stop you," Qi Zheng said honestly, feeling somewhat speechless after being directly addressed by Qi Ze.
In an instant, Qi Ze froze like a statue.
Shouldn't Eldest Brother be using his authority as the eldest to mediate the conflict between him and Qi Rui? How could he just stand aside as an observer? This made it difficult for him to back down.
Glancing at the "difficult situation" of Qi Ze, Qi Zheng calmly picked up another piece of wood and continued with his work.
Qi Rui also seemed pleased. Clearly noticing Qi Ze's embarrassment, he chose to remain silent and waited for Qi Ze to continue his "performance."
Qi Ze felt like crying. With both Eldest Brother and Second Brother showing such little brotherly love, it was easy for him to feel abandoned!
However, among the Qi Family, Qi Ze was undoubtedly one of the most quick-witted. Seeing that neither Qi Zheng nor Qi Rui were falling for his act, after a brief moment of shock, he quickly turned his gaze to the fourth person present—their father from the Qi Family.
"Dad, look at this! Rui is being so disrespectful; he doesn't even honor me as Second Brother," Qi Ze dared not complain about Qi Zheng. He knew to pick on the softer target first—his thirteen-year-old brother, Qi Rui.
Qi Family's father is Qi Dayong, a very down-to-earth rural man. He is particularly generous towards both the elders and his children. Listening to his sons bicker, he rarely interjects but always has a smile on his face.
However, if Qi Ze insists on dragging him into the fray, Qi Dayong immediately looks over with a disapproving expression.
Yet, Qi Dayong's "disapproval" is not directed at Qi Rui, but rather at Qi Ze: "Rui is your younger brother. As the older brother, you should give him some leeway."
Even though he is the one being bullied, he is still expected to give way? It seems that in this family, he truly has the least status and is the least loved; it's so pitiful...
Seeing Qi Ze looking utterly defeated and despondent, Qi Rui bursts out laughing. Qi Dayong and Qi Zheng also wear smiles, but they mischievously sit by without intending to rescue Qi Ze.
Such a harmonious and joyful scene had not appeared in the Qi Family for a long time.
They have all been working too hard and are too exhausted to feel any joy. However, with Zhao Jin's arrival, each of their hearts has been somewhat uplifted by the festive atmosphere.
At this moment, they all firmly believe that no matter how tough life gets, as long as they do not give up, they will surely see hope and welcome the dawn.
After lunch, Zhao Jin originally planned to stay at home to continue learning sewing from Grandma Qi. However, Qi Zheng needed to go to the County Hospital to buy medicine for Qi Feng. Without hesitation, Zhao Jin offered to go along.
The Qijia Family holds nothing but goodwill towards Zhao Jin. As soon as she speaks up, no one opposes her. Qi Zheng, without any hesitation, takes Zhao Jin along.
The County Hospital is always extremely busy. In the bustling lobby, Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin follow the process of queuing, waiting, and paying...
By the time they finally collect all the medicine needed for Qi Feng and pay for the next phase of his treatment, they have already spent more than half of the money they brought.
After experiencing this firsthand, Zhao Jin becomes even more acutely aware of how heavy the burden is on the Qi Family. At the same time, she feels increasingly heartbroken for Qi Zheng, who has been shouldering this heavy responsibility.
Zhao Jin herself does not enjoy studying. Otherwise, given her family's circumstances, she could have at least finished high school. However, none of her three siblings completed junior high school.
In contrast, she hears that all four siblings in the Qi Family perform very well academically. However, while Qi Zheng was admitted to high school, he could not finish it; and Qi Ze also stopped after junior high without advancing further.
The burdens of life fell on the shoulders of the Qi Family siblings far too early, with the eldest brother Qi Zheng bearing the brunt of it. Undoubtedly, he carries the greatest pressure.
Before, it was fine that there was no empathy, but now Zhao Jin has made up her mind to fight alongside Qi Zheng, determined not to give up no matter how hard or tiring it gets.
"Thank you." Although she shouldn't have said thank you, standing at the hospital entrance with the medicine she bought for Qi Feng, thinking about Earlier Doctor's optimistic outlook for them, Qi Zheng couldn't help but solemnly express his gratitude to Zhao Jin.
"I won't accept your thanks." Zhao Jin immediately pouted and opened her eyes wide in protest, saying, "You don't treat me like family."
"Even if we are family, we should still express our gratitude when it's due." Qi Zheng spoke firmly while holding Zhao Jin's hand. "Thank you for agreeing to marry me, and thank you for bringing out your dowry to buy medicine for Uncle's leg."
If Zhao Jin sharing those pots, water bottles, and bedding from her dowry with the Qijia Family was a moment of kindness and insignificant, then the medicine in Qi Zheng's hand was solid evidence that the entire Qi Family should be grateful to Zhao Jin.
Money, regardless of the time, is the most effective bridge to test people's hearts. Zhao Jin's selflessness towards the Qijia Family undoubtedly deserved the utmost gratitude from the Qi Family.
And Qi Zheng's heart grew softer.
The girl he liked, a kind and beautiful girl, had to take out her dowry to support the In-law family because she married him. All he could do was express his gratitude.
"Then you must remember my kindness and treat me even better in the future." Zhao Jin looked up at Qi Zheng, smiling brightly. "No need for thanks; if you could like me a little more, I would definitely be happier."
"Okay." Qi Zheng's personality made it hard for him to express all his affection in sweet words like that. But he would definitely give Zhao Jin the promise she wanted, and it would be unwavering and everlasting.
Zhao Jin believed in Qi Zheng. Upon hearing his promise of "okay," she stopped dwelling on it and prepared to go home with a sweet heart.
That's right, home. Although she had only been married into the Qi Family for less than two years, Zhao Jin already regarded the Qi Family as her own home.
In other words, wherever Qi Zheng was, that was her destination and her home.
However, Qi Zheng did not immediately take Zhao Jin home but led her in another direction.
At first, Zhao Jin obediently followed Qi Zheng, until she saw a familiar sign and realized something was off: "Huh? Are we going to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative?"
"Yes, looking for someone." Qi Zheng nodded and then began to tell Zhao Jin about Tao Tao.
It was only at this moment that Zhao Jin finally understood where the bride price that Qi Zheng sent to the Zhao Family came from.
It turned out that after their chance encounter at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, Qi Zheng was taken by Tao Tao for lunch.
At the dining table, the two initially just reminisced aimlessly, discussing whatever came to mind without any particular storyline or goal. As they talked more, they began to share updates about their lives and discuss current developments.
Qi Zheng had always been ambitious and determined. When he inadvertently heard that Tao Tao's Second Uncle had opened a Lumber Mill, he asked a few more questions.
Lumber was the foundation of the Qi Family's wealth. If possible, Qi Zheng wanted to continue this legacy. He felt a deep sense of responsibility towards Great-Grandfather Qi's expectations for him and for the future stability of the Qi Family.
After all, they were once good brothers, and Tao Tao had a certain understanding of Qi Zheng. Especially regarding Great-Grandfather Qi's woodworking skills, which were rarely spoken of by the taciturn Qi Zheng, he had occasionally mentioned them to Tao Tao in the past.
Even now, Tao Tao still remembered it clearly.
After that, without needing much encouragement from Qi Zheng, Tao Tao immediately began to promote his Second Uncle's business vigorously, even going so far as to offer significant discounts.
According to Tao Tao, the factory belonged to his Second Uncle, and while he wouldn't let his Second Uncle lose money, he would definitely ensure that Qi Zheng received all the benefits he could. As long as Qi Zheng was interested, Tao Tao could take him to his Second Uncle's factory for further discussions right away.
Qi Zheng already had such thoughts in mind and decisively followed Tao Tao to Uncle Tao's Lumber Mill after lunch.
Although Uncle Tao was a businessman, he naturally wouldn't charge exorbitant prices for a friend brought by Tao Tao.
With an eye on long-term cooperation, Uncle Tao offered Qi Zheng a very favorable discount, almost at cost price.
Qi Zheng was not someone who took advantage of others. After receiving benefits from Uncle Tao, he also expressed that he would provide and supply a series of office furniture needed by Uncle Tao's factory for free in the future.
Uncle Tao appreciated straightforward people, especially those who were so loyal and forthright. Without hesitation, he agreed to Qi Zheng's proposal and also provided another significant convenience: any furniture made by Qi Zheng in the future, whether for home or office use, could be sold at his factory.
If it were just local business, whether or not to sell at Uncle Tao's factory would not affect Qi Zheng. After all, he could easily transport the furniture to the county and set up a stall or sell it on the street; there would always be ways and opportunities.
However, Uncle Tao meant more than that. His factory primarily dealt with external sales. To other counties, cities, and provinces—wherever there was demand—Uncle Tao had markets to explore.
Under such circumstances, Uncle Tao was willing to sell Qi Zheng's furniture at the factory, undoubtedly opening a broad avenue to success for Qi Zheng. As long as Qi Zheng's woodworking was indeed good enough, and as long as he was not lazy or dishonest, he would have no worries about making money in the future.
How visionary was Qi Zheng? He immediately agreed and took out all the money he had, even borrowing some from Tao Tao to pay the deposit.
The amount of money was not much, but it represented Qi Zheng's determination.
Uncle Tao originally planned to make things easier for Qi Zheng by allowing him to transport the wood for free and settling the payment once the furniture was completed.
However, after seeing Qi Zheng's attitude firsthand, Uncle Tao changed his mind and decided to follow the proper procedures by signing the contract.
Uncle Tao had high hopes for Qi Zheng. Not only because Qi Zheng was brought by Tao Tao and was a friend of his, but also because Qi Zheng himself was an exceptionally capable and discerning individual. Just by observing Qi Zheng's decisiveness and resilience, Uncle Tao was willing to befriend him.
The closer they were as friends, the less Uncle Tao wanted to place them in an unequal position. Therefore, financial matters needed to be clear, while personal favors were separate from business.
Qi Ershu's way of handling affairs was exactly what Qi Zheng appreciated and was willing to adhere to. It had nothing to do with dignity; it was simply his true nature.
Subsequently, Qi Zheng successfully transported the first batch of wood from Uncle Tao's factory. After that, he worked day and night to deliver the bride price to Zhao Jin's family.
Today, Qi Zheng brought Zhao Jin to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative to repay a debt.
"Brother Qi, Sister-in-law!" Tao Tao knew about Qi Zheng's marriage. He had taken a day off just yesterday to attend the wedding in Willow Leaf Village.
After many years of reuniting with Qi Zheng, what Tao Tao cared most about was getting the address of Qi Zheng's family. He even made a special trip to recognize the door, worried that they might lose contact again in the future.
In the past, he was young and naive and didn't think much about it. If he made the same mistake again now, he would cry for himself. It would be too foolish to bear!
After attending Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin's wedding banquet, Tao Tao felt relieved. He was contemplating visiting the Qi family more often during his holidays when unexpectedly he saw both Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin again today and excitedly ran over.
Qi Zheng came to repay a debt and did not avoid Zhao Jin; he directly took out the money and handed it to Tao Tao.
Knowing that Qi Zheng disliked being in debt, Tao Tao did not refuse him and accepted the money right away. However, he still insisted on treating them to a meal.
"Brother Qi, Sister-in-law, come to my house for dinner tonight! My parents heard from my Second Uncle that Brother Qi can make furniture, and they insisted on asking Brother Qi to help us with a set for our home." Qi Zheng had delivered the Bride Price to the Zhao Family, and Tao Tao had taken Uncle Tao to see it.
Uncle Tao was very satisfied and immediately placed an order for a batch of home furniture with Qi Zheng. The wood was already prepared, just waiting for Qi Zheng to finish marrying his bride before it would be delivered to the Qi Family.
Tao Tao was someone who loved to show off. After receiving Uncle Tao's approval, he went home and praised Brother Qi's craftsmanship so much that even the Tao Family members were tempted.
Tao Dad and Tao Mom had already mentioned several times to Tao Tao that he should prioritize their family's needs first, so they wouldn't be outdone by other relatives.
Of course, Tao Tao was happy to help Brother Qi gain business. His family wasn't short on money, and Brother Qi had real skills. If they could achieve a win-win situation, it would be a joy for everyone.
So, as soon as he saw Qi Zheng, Tao Tao immediately brought up the matter.
"No need for dinner. I bought some medicine for my uncle and need to hurry back. What style of furniture does your family need? Any specific requirements for color and design?" Upon hearing that the Tao Family needed furniture, Qi Zheng had no objections and prepared to gift them a complete set.
As for the money from the Tao Family, Qi Zheng didn't even consider it and certainly wouldn't accept it.
Tao Tao had already helped him enough. If it weren't for their chance reunion and Tao Tao acting as an enthusiastic intermediary, Qi Zheng would never have found this opportunity. Uncle Tao and the Lumber Mill wouldn't have been so accommodating either.
Qi Zheng was confident in himself. He knew that if it weren't for Tao Tao, he would eventually find his way down this path. However, the route he discovered on his own might take longer and involve many unnecessary detours.
Wanting to have a grand wedding with Zhao Jin, Qi Zheng didn't have much time to waste or explore slowly. The shortcut provided by Tao Tao was extremely significant and would have far-reaching effects on him.
Therefore, Qi Zheng felt grateful towards Tao Tao and regarded him as a brother from the heart.
Talking about money would hurt their brotherly bond. No matter what, Qi Zheng would gift this set of furniture to Tao Tao.
"No, no. I don't know anything about colors or styles; my parents have no opinions either. Just go with what Brother Qi is good at. The kind you sent to Sister-in-law's house is fine too. I think it's beautiful; I like it." Tao Tao always admired Qi Zheng and entrusted him completely without hesitation.
Additionally, Tao Tao mentioned the matter of paying for the furniture. It wasn't that he wanted to be polite or make excuses; it was genuinely about this: "My parents mean that this furniture is prepared for me to marry a wife. So Brother Qi can make whatever he wants; even if it's expensive, my parents will pay."
"No need for money." Hearing that it was for preparing a bride for Tao Tao made Qi Zheng even less likely to accept any payment. He considered it a congratulatory gift for Tao Tao and kept it in his heart.
Tao Family understood Qi Zheng's thoughts well enough and did not say much more, just nodded and prepared to leave.
"Hey, hey, how can it be free? Brother Qi, if you don't charge me, I can't accept the furniture you make. By the way, Sister-in-law, wait a moment, don't leave yet." Tao Tao knew Qi Zheng well enough. Realizing that she couldn't persuade Qi Zheng, Tao Tao didn't rush to argue with him but clearly stated her intention regarding the money and turned to run towards the Supply and Marketing Cooperative.
Due to Tao Tao's sudden departure, Qi Zheng couldn't clarify the matter of the furniture and money with her and could only watch her run away.
However, Zhao Jin was intrigued by Tao Tao's actions.
In her previous life, Zhao Jin did not know Tao Tao and had never seen her. She was unaware if Tao Tao and Qi Zheng had ever reunited in their past lives or if Tao Tao had helped Qi Zheng as much back then.
But from what Qi Zheng had just told her, Zhao Jin had a good impression of Tao Tao.
Even though she had benefited from Tao Tao at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, Zhao Jin hadn't remembered her. Now, because of Tao Tao's kindness towards Qi Zheng, she finally recognized Tao Tao as someone she knew, specifically as "Qi Zheng's good brother."
Tao Tao was quick in her actions. She left in a hurry and returned just as quickly. However, compared to when she left empty-handed, now she came back holding a large cardboard box that looked quite heavy at first glance.
Breathless, she ran up to Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng, smiling as she presented the large box to Zhao Jin: "Sister-in-law, this is for you."
Zhao Jin was taken aback; she hadn't expected that Tao Tao was bringing her something. The box was not closed, allowing her to see the fabric and various colored threads inside. Clearly, it had been prepared in advance.
"Sister-in-law, don't refuse. This isn't anything valuable; it's just some defective items that the people in the warehouse accidentally brought in. I happened to notice them and got them without spending any money." Tao Tao was straightforward. Although his kindness towards Zhao Jin stemmed from his relationship with Qi Zheng, once he decided to be good to her, he genuinely had no other intentions.
"I saw at Brother Qi's wedding yesterday that there was a sewing machine among your dowry, right? What a coincidence! I ran into this situation as soon as I got to work today. I originally planned to bring it over when I had time. Who would have thought it would turn out like this? Since Brother Qi and Sister-in-law came looking for me this afternoon, isn't it fate?" Tao Tao spoke quickly without giving Zhao Jin a chance to respond, then pushed the large box towards Qi Zheng.
"Brother Qi, help carry this for Sister-in-law. She definitely can't move it with her arms and legs." When speaking to Qi Zheng, there was an obvious tone of flattery in Tao Tao's voice, fearing that he might refuse.
However, Qi Zheng had no intention of refusing. But before accepting the box, he firmly stated his position: "The furniture I'm making for you doesn't cost anything."
"Oh my goodness, Brother Qi, why are you still treating me like a brother..." Tao Tao wanted to continue arguing with him for a while longer. However, due to the overwhelming presence of Qi Zheng, she felt intimidated and ultimately nodded obediently, "Alright! Then I won't be polite; I'm truly grateful."
Seeing that Tao Tao no longer insisted on paying him, Qi Zheng relaxed his brow and accepted the large cardboard box that Tao Tao was holding.
Tao Tao smiled. Well, since Brother Qi was unwilling to accept money, he could return something else to Brother Qi. After all, he was at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative; what couldn't he get his hands on? During the holidays, there were plenty of good things he could send to Brother Qi's home!
Tao Tao's calculations were unknown to Qi Zheng. After chatting with Tao Tao for a bit longer, he hurriedly took Zhao Jin and left.
Watching Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin's backs, Tao Tao waved his hand and inexplicably felt a bit envious.
Sigh, it was indeed time to get married. Seeing that Brother Qi had already married a beautiful wife, he also needed to hurry up and find someone.
When Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin returned home, it was still early. At this time, Qi Yuehong had already learned quite a bit about using the sewing machine. When Qi Zheng placed a large box of fabric and spools in front of her, Qi Yuehong's eyes widened.
"Big brother, did you and Sister-in-law buy these?" Qi Yuehong was naturally pleased with so much fabric and various spools. However, did they spend too much money?
"No, it was sent by Tao Ge." Tao Tao had visited the Qi Family several times and had become quite familiar with them through his words. Qi Zheng directly mentioned his name, not worried that Qi Yuehong wouldn't know who he was.
So it was Tao Ge; that explained it. Knowing that Tao Tao worked at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, Qi Yuehong nodded and didn't ask further.
"Jin came back just in time. Are you tired? If you're not tired, continue learning to sew. Yuehong has almost learned everything; she's just waiting for you." Grandma Qi had taught Qi Yuehong for quite a while. Seeing that she had grasped the essentials, she let her practice more while she went out to do some other chores.
At this moment, seeing Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng return, Grandma Qi came back in to plan on teaching Zhao Jin again.
"If you're not tired, then it's hard work for Grandma." Zhao Jin was eager to learn sewing, and now with the things sent by Tao Tao, she couldn't afford to give up halfway.
"It's not hard at all. What can Grandma do at home? You following Qi Zheng back and forth to the county is what’s hard!" Grandma Qi liked Zhao Jin very much; her affection for Zhao Jin was genuine as she spoke with a loving expression.
Zhao Jin waved her hand, saying it wasn't hard while sitting down.
Seeing that Zhao Jin and Grandma Qi were already on track, Qi Zheng took the medicine in his hand to find Zhou Ju. He had bought quite a bit of medicine today; some were for external use while others needed to be boiled. He needed to clarify each type with his mother.
The medicine in his hand was obviously different from before. Zhou Ju held back for a moment but couldn't help but ask, "Did you spend quite a bit of money? Did you use your dowry money?"
"Yes." On this matter, Qi Zheng didn't intend to hide anything from the Qijia Family. Since Zhou Ju asked, he answered truthfully.
"You..." Zhou Ju wanted to say something, but it felt wrong; they shouldn't be using the dowry money for Jin. However, the words were on the tip of her tongue, and she didn't know how to continue.
Qi Feng's medication couldn't be stopped, no matter how expensive it was. But their family's situation truly couldn't spare much money.
Now relying on Zhao Jin's dowry to buy medicine for Qi Feng, although it shouldn't be the case, was indeed a helpless act.
After several thoughts crossed her mind, Zhou Ju could only shake her head and lower her voice to sigh, "We owe Jin an apology. What a good girl she is; marrying into our family is a bit of a hardship for her."
Qi Zheng remained silent, just standing there without moving.
"Qi Zheng, you need to treat Jin well. Our whole family should treat Jin well. Otherwise, we would be too inhumane." In the end, Zhou Ju advised Qi Zheng like this.
Not every girl is willing to take out her dowry to support her in-law family. Especially now, buying medicine for her in-law uncle adds another layer of complexity. Yet Zhao Jin did just that; moreover, when she handed over the gift money to Zhao Jin that morning, Zhao Jin resolutely refused it.
Zhao Jin wasn't foolish; she genuinely regarded them as family and relatives, which is why she didn't mind giving or losing.
Their Qi Family was fortunate to have such a good daughter-in-law. They should cherish this blessing and treat Jin well.
Facing Zhou Ju's admonition, Qi Zheng did not respond.
Even if it weren't for this reason, he would still treat Zhao Jin well. She was the girl he wholeheartedly liked; how could he bear to treat her poorly?
Although Qi Zheng didn't answer, Zhou Ju felt quite at ease.
She knew her son well. Ever since Qi Zheng learned he could marry Zhao Jin, he had radiated a different kind of brilliance. Zhou Ju was 100% certain that Qi Zheng was happy.
Now that she had truly seen Zhao Jin in person and interacted with her, Zhou Ju felt extremely fortunate that her son hadn't fallen for the wrong girl. This daughter-in-law must have been earned through considerable blessings from their past lives.
Thinking about how Qi Zheng cared for Zhao Jin in many ways, Zhou Ju felt that she really didn't need to worry too much.
Thus, Zhou Ju simply smiled and turned around to prepare the herbal medicine for Qi Feng.
After all, it was a significant amount of money spent on the new medicine, and with the further treatment, Qi Feng's recovery had made a remarkable leap forward, entering a new phase.
The entire Qi Family was very happy. Amidst their joy, they attributed this achievement to Zhao Jin.
This was not only because Zhao Jin's arrival brought new expectations and hope to the Qi Family, but also because she selflessly contributed her dowry money, which led to another great joy for the Qi Family.
The Qi Family had always treated Zhao Jin well, but after this incident, they were practically ready to pamper her.
Especially Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju, who explicitly stated that there was no need for Zhao Jin to do any household chores; she didn't even have to lift a finger. If Zhao Jin found herself bored, she could learn sewing, as long as she didn't tire herself out.
Zhao Jin felt both amused and helpless. Looking around, she could only confide in Qi Zheng.
"If I keep being lazy like this, will you really not divorce me? Your family wouldn't be trying to make me lazy on purpose so that someone could kick me out of the house when they find me annoying, right?" Zhao Jin knew that the Qi Family didn't mean it that way. However, she truly didn't want to remain idle; it would only breed laziness.
"No." Whether it was regarding the first question or the second one, Qi Zheng's answer remained consistent: no.
Qi Zheng had been busy with woodworking lately, gradually shaping various pieces of furniture with his skilled hands. He was aware of Zhao Jin's situation at home but chose not to intervene or interfere.
His grandmother and mother were not the type to say one thing while meaning another. They genuinely liked Zhao Jin and treated her like their own daughter.
In fact, the level of affection his grandmother and mother showed Zhao Jin had surpassed that for Qi Yuehong.
Qi Yuehong also did various chores at home whenever possible; no one stopped her. In comparison, it seemed that Zhao Jin truly resembled a beloved daughter of the Qi Family.
However, no one in the Qi Family expressed dissatisfaction or protest regarding Zhao Jin's high-level treatment. Even Qi Yuehong found it quite natural.
Several times when Zhao Jin attempted to sweep the floor, Qi Yuehong would immediately step in and snatch the broom away, refusing to let Zhao Jin do any work.
"Are you really not going to let me help? Why do I feel like your family has some hidden agenda?" Zhao Jin knew she was being unreasonable and unfairly accusing them. But she wasn't doing it on purpose; she was simply feeling pressured. If this continued, she would end up crying in front of Qi Zheng!
"Well, there is an agenda." In a rare moment, Qi Zheng joked with Zhao Jin, "Our family is trying every possible way to keep you here because we're afraid you'll run away."
"Ah! What are you talking about?" Zhao Jin said, annoyed as she gave Qi Zheng a light slap. "I'm the one who's scared! Whose daughter-in-law has such a good life? If I go back to my maternal family like this, I'll definitely get scolded."
It's quite amusing. While others fear not having a good life in their in-law families, Zhao Jin completely flipped that notion, feeling uneasy because she thought her life was too good.
Even if people say she is "blissfully unaware of her blessings," Zhao Jin still seriously and earnestly requested to be treated equally. At the very least, she should be treated like Qi Yuehong, right?
She didn't need to do a lot of work; simple tasks like washing dishes or sweeping the floor shouldn't be beyond her capabilities.
If it weren't for the fact that she washed her own clothes every night in advance, she would have discovered the next morning that all her clothes had been washed by Qi Yuehong!
Ever since she gave Qi Yuehong a new basin, this girl had become more meticulous and particular. She started washing her own clothes separately from the family's and often quietly mentioned to Qi Zheng that she wanted to help Zhao Jin with her laundry...
Qi Zheng was truly putting her in a tough spot. She didn't tell Zhao Jin and instead sided with Qi Yuehong. Initially, for a couple of times, Qi Zheng really took Zhao Jin's clothes out to give to Qi Yuehong. This made Zhao Jin feel so embarrassed that her face turned crimson.
Later on, Zhao Jin became smarter. She wouldn't say a word before starting work; she just seized the opportunity and got to it.
Who would have thought that Qi Zheng wouldn't help her? Every time she tried to pitch in, she was stopped. Sometimes even Qi Zheng would compete with her for chores, not letting her touch anything.
She wasn't some pampered lady nor was she pregnant with a child. Being treated like this by the Qi family really made her anxious.
She still remembered before marrying into the Qi family when she used to complain that Qi Zheng didn't pamper her enough and that she'd make Qi Zheng regret it. But once everyone in the Qi family started treating her like royalty, Zhao Jin realized this was also a terrifying thing that nearly kept her up at night.
"Then you can just work in your in-law family," Qi Zheng suggested, following Zhao Jin's words.
Zhao Jin turned her head away, refusing to talk to Qi Zheng. If she really did that, would her parents and brothers from her maternal family not confront Qi Zheng?
"Mom, our hens have laid quite a few eggs recently. How about you start collecting the eggs tomorrow?" Seeing that Zhao Jin was genuinely angry, Qi Zheng finally relented and began assigning tasks to Zhao Jin.
Zhao Jin pouted, hesitated for a moment, but reluctantly nodded.
Fine, having something to do is better than doing nothing at all. At least when she goes back to her maternal family and is asked about life in the in-law family, she can say she's responsible for collecting eggs!
Due to Qi Zheng's remarks, Zhao Jin finally didn't have to do anything after starting from second place.
Although every time she went to collect eggs, the Qijia Family would call out, "Let me do it," Zhao Jin resolutely ignored them. Pretending not to hear, she swiftly ran towards the chicken coop. She feared that if she was a moment late, the Qijia Family would really beat her to it.
In these days where even collecting eggs required competing for first place, it was hard to imagine anyone else.
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