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Chen Cui initially did not react. It wasn't until she noticed Grandma Zhao's gaze fixed on Wu Feng that she gasped, finally understanding Grandma Zhao's intention.
That's right, she almost forgot that Wu Feng was also here. Other matters could be discussed later; the priority was to get Wu Feng through their front door first.
With this in mind, Chen Cui approached Wu Feng.
However, before Chen Cui could speak, Wu Feng took the initiative to express himself: "Sorry, I have things to attend to at home. I need to leave now."
As soon as Wu Feng said this, everyone was stunned. Among them, Zhao Ying'er had the most intense reaction.
"Wu Feng, what did you say?" Zhao Ying'er wanted to present herself as gentle and gracious in front of Wu Feng. However, things did not go as planned; every scene today made it clear that Zhao Ying'er could hardly contain her seething anger.
What did Wu Feng mean by this? It was his first visit to their home, yet he wouldn't even step through their front door? Who was he trying to impress? Did he want all the villagers to witness her embarrassment?
Zhao Ying'er could not bring herself to hate Wu Feng; subconsciously, she didn't want to place all the blame on him. Therefore, the person she truly loathed was undoubtedly Zhao Xiaojin.
To be fair, Zhao Xiaojin was also wronged. This matter had nothing to do with her, and she couldn't control Wu Feng's decisions, could she?
Of course, whether or not Zhao Xiaojin could influence him didn't matter; she had already been resented by Zhao Ying'er. And it was a deep-seated resentment.
Faced with Zhao Ying'er's nearly gritted teeth questioning, Wu Feng remained calm. It was as if he completely ignored Zhao Ying'er's dissatisfaction and anger. He nodded lightly at Grandma Zhao and turned to leave without looking back.
At this moment, not only was Zhao Ying'er furious, but even Grandma Zhao was surprisingly angry.
It would have been one thing if the bride price wasn't substantial; they could endure that for now. But what kind of attitude was this from Wu Feng? Did he really not care about their Ying'er at all? This was simply too much!
Whether it was too much or not, Wu Feng had already left. He left Grandma Zhao trembling with rage and her face turning pale.
Zhao Ying'er was also very angry. Besides being furious, she felt more humiliated. At that moment, under the gaze of the surrounding villagers, she felt as if she were stripped bare, utterly embarrassed.
Because she was upset and also because she could no longer stand there, Zhao Ying'er suddenly cried out, turning around to cover her face and running into her own house.
What a disgrace! Chen Cui almost stopped Zhao Ying'er to give her a good scolding.
Is this the time to cry? Hurry up and bring Wu Feng back! She really has no dignity at all!
Unable to rely on Zhao Ying'er, Chen Cui snorted coldly and decided to take matters into her own hands.
It's just a Wu Feng, she didn't believe she couldn't handle it!
Chen Cui chased after the direction Wu Feng had left. At first, she didn't realize anything was wrong, but when she did, her expression darkened instantly.
She never expected that Wu Feng would not leave Willow Leaf Village directly but instead head towards Zhao Xiaojin's house.
Following Wu Feng from a distance, Chen Cui could have called out to Wu Feng or run a few steps to intercept him.
However, in reality, Chen Cui did nothing. She quietly followed behind Wu Feng, even deliberately lightening her footsteps, afraid of being discovered by Wu Feng.
That's right, it was careful. Chen Cui clenched her fists with a dark expression, her eyes wide with fury, looking as if she was ready to catch someone in the act.
However, in the end, Wu Feng disappointed Chen Cui.
Wu Feng indeed arrived outside Zhao Xiaojin's house and lingered for a while. But it was only for a moment. Soon after, Wu Feng lifted his foot and left.
Watching Wu Feng stand outside Zhao Xiaojin's house for a while, listening but doing nothing before leaving, Chen Cui stomped her foot in frustration. She felt angry for not having caught anything and also irritated by Wu Feng's unusual behavior.
Once Wu Feng left, Chen Cui quickly ran to the spot where Wu Feng had just stood. Imitating Wu Feng's posture, she perked up her ears to secretly listen for any sounds from Zhao Xiaojin's house.
As soon as Zhao Xiaojin opened the door, what she saw was Chen Cui sneaking around outside.
“Aunt Si?” Zhao Xiaojin's voice was not deliberately lowered, and when she called out like this, everyone else in the yard turned to look.
Chen Cui's face instantly flushed. With a hint of embarrassment and a rather thick-skinned demeanor, she spread her hands and coldly huffed, “I just came to take a look.”
“Take a look? What are you looking at?” It was understandable that Zhao Xiaojin did not give Chen Cui an easy way out; mainly, Chen Cui's actions were too unusual and raised too many suspicions.
Anyone who opens their own door to find a sneaky person outside would naturally feel suspicious, right? Moreover, Chen Cui had never been considered a good person; she acted without regard for family ties and was particularly selfish.
Suddenly questioned by Zhao Xiaojin like this, Chen Cui, who was unprepared with an answer, found herself momentarily speechless.
At this moment, Chen Cui was absolutely unwilling to mention Wu Feng. Regardless of what Wu Feng's feelings for Zhao Xiaojin were, the person Wu Feng was about to marry was their family’s Ying'er. Chen Cui would never allow Wu Feng to have anything with Zhao Xiaojin.
So, Chen Cui directly avoided mentioning Wu Feng and paused for a while before stammering, “I just came to see when you’re returning to your in-law family.”
Chen Cui's actions raised suspicion, and her words made even less sense. At least at this moment, Zhao Xiaojin was confused by Chen Cui.
What did her returning to her in-law family have to do with Chen Cui? Besides, even if she returned to her maternal family, she wouldn’t go to Chen Cui’s house for a meal, would she?
So what was Chen Cui here for? Did she want to take revenge on their family? Was it because her Second Sister-in-law had just slapped Zhao Ying'er that she came looking for trouble?
Thinking of this possibility, Zhao Xiaojin frowned. She initially planned to leave but suddenly decided against it: “I’ll go back after dinner. Aunt Si, are you going to manage dinner for me and Qi Zheng?”
Zhao Xiaojin asked this but had no hope whatsoever regarding Chen Cui.
Of course, Chen Cui really couldn’t manage dinner for Zhao Xiaojin and Qi Zheng. Hearing Zhao Xiaojin's question, Chen Cui immediately waved her hand and laughed dryly, “Well, I still have things to do at home; I’ll be leaving now.”
It was just a meal. Even if Chen Cui really extended an invitation, Zhao Xiaojin and Qi Zheng definitely wouldn’t go. However, Chen Cui insisted on putting on a show of fleeing in embarrassment, which was truly unseemly.
Watching Chen Cui’s retreating figure, Zhao Xiaojin scoffed and couldn’t help but turn to her family and say, “Did I eat a lot? It seems Aunt Si is quite scared of me.”
"You could make her heart ache just by drinking a sip of water from their house." Qian Minmin pouted, looking down on Chen Cui's actions.
The other members of the Zhao Family remained silent. They were well aware of Chen Cui's character and were not surprised at all.
Shrugging, Zhao Xiaojin didn't say much more. After all, Chen Cui had already left, and there was no need to let her affect their mood.
"By the way, Xiao Jin, last time I went to the county with Sister-in-law, I brought back a piece of fabric for Mother. Can you take it back for her to make some clothes?" The Zhao Family knew that Zhao Xiaojin was learning sewing from Grandma Qi in her in-law family. Qian Minmin suddenly remembered this and didn't hold back.
"Sure, no problem." In fact, Zhao Xiaojin often prepared clothes for her maternal family. However, she hadn't had time to bring any today due to the rush.
It was just right to take back a piece of fabric for her mother to make clothes, and she would remember to bring more next time.
"Making clothes isn't urgent. Xiao Jin, wait a moment. Your two Aunts came over yesterday and brought you some shoe insoles. They are all hand-stitched; take them back and see if Qi Zheng can use them." In previous years, the Xu Family would send over some insoles, but this year they included some for Qi Zheng as well. Xu Mei didn't refuse and accepted them all.
"Oh, there's also Qi Zheng's! Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law are really wonderful; thank you so much." Zhao Xiaojin knew her Aunts' craftsmanship and smiled immediately. She felt even more grateful for their thoughtfulness.
"Don't just thank them verbally. Once you learn sewing well, make each of our two Aunts a new piece of clothing," Qian Minmin said while patting Zhao Xiaojin's shoulder, reminding her with a smile.
"That's a must." Zhao Xiaojin nodded in agreement right away.
Although the Xu Family also had a sewing machine and both Aunts were skilled seamstresses, Zhao Xiaojin still wanted to convey her own heartfelt intentions accurately.
Moreover, she firmly believed that given her Aunts' character and their affection for her, even if she only sent over a handkerchief with a single flower stitched on it, they would happily accept it.
"I say, Xiao Jin, haven't you noticed that you're already in debt for so many pieces of clothing?" Hearing Zhao Xiaojin's enthusiastic agreement, Qian Minmin teasingly started counting on her fingers: "Dad's, Mother's, our eldest brother's Sister-in-law's, your Second Brother's and Second Sister-in-law's, mine, plus three kids in the family..."
As Qian Minmin counted excitedly, Zhao Xiaojin listened with increasing amusement. Eventually, she leaned against Qian Minmin and pretended to be exhausted while nodding: "It does seem like quite a lot. How about this: I'll put your clothes at the end of the list. Once I finish making clothes for Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law and deliver a set each to Grandpa and Grandma as well as my two uncles, then I'll make yours."
Qian Minmin widened her eyes in surprise, both amused and helpless: "Xiao Jin, are you sure I can wait for my piece of clothing? It won't be several years later, will it?"
"Oh dear, Second Sister-in-law, who are we to each other! Even if it's ten or twenty years, we will definitely be in touch. So, it doesn't matter how long it has been; I will always remember that I owe Second Sister-in-law a piece of clothing," Zhao Xiaojin said playfully while shaking Qian Minmin's arm, earnestly assuring her.
"Although what you say is certainly not wrong! But I can't shake the feeling that something seems off," Qian Minmin said, tapping Zhao Xiaojin on the head with a look of suspicion. "You little girl, you wouldn't be trying to fool Second Sister-in-law, would you?"
"No, no, absolutely not," Zhao Xiaojin shook her head vigorously, almost instinctively.
"Alright then, seeing how sincere you are, I'll just trust you for now," Qian Minmin said affectionately towards Zhao Xiaojin and decided not to press the issue further.
In contrast to the unpleasant scene outside Zhao Ying'er’s home earlier, the atmosphere in Zhao Xiaojin's yard was indeed warm, bringing smiles to everyone's faces.
They say Qian Minmin is formidable; in reality, she is just a straightforward and simple person. In her heart, right is right and wrong is wrong. No one can bully her family; otherwise, she would fight back fiercely!
Zhao Xiaojin was fortunate enough to be regarded as family by Qian Minmin and was protected under her wing. Compared to their previous lives, both of them were now in the best positions of their lives, joyfully controlling their destinies.
Zhao Ying'er’s mood was not as good. Chen Cui and others were also affected and were currently sitting in their living room with gloomy faces discussing countermeasures.
"I think we must get the bride price that the Qi Family previously sent to Zhao Xiaojin back. We have seen the Wu Family's attitude today. If we don't do something soon to save face for our Ying'er, I'm afraid when she marries into the Wu Family, they will look down on her," Chen Cui was the first to suggest.
Before this, Chen Cui had been constantly thinking about snatching the bride price that Zhao Xiaojin received for her son’s future wife so that her son could marry with great fanfare.
However, after today’s events, Chen Cui changed her attitude.
She would take all of the bride price Qi Zheng sent to Zhao Xiaojin but would set aside half for Zhao Ying'er as a dowry to take to the Wu Family. This was both to ensure that Zhao Ying'er married well and that people in the village would forget today's embarrassment. It was also to remind Wu Feng that Zhao Xiaojin was already married!
Grandfather Zhao and others were unaware of Wu Feng's visit to Zhao Xiaojin's home afterward. However, after witnessing Wu Feng's behavior today, none of them could ignore his indifferent attitude towards Zhao Ying'er.
If he acted like this before marriage, who could guarantee that the Wu Family would treat Zhao Ying'er well once she married into their family?
Thinking this way made it urgent to save face for Zhao Ying'er and ensure she had a grand marriage.
In a farming family, if one wants to marry off a girl in style, there is no doubt that the dowry must be substantial.
But where would Zhao Ying'er’s dowry come from? Just as Chen Cui suggested, it would have to start with the bride price received by Zhao Xiaojin.
Speaking of Zhao Xiaojin's bride price, Grandfather Zhao and the others had been thinking about it for quite some time. However, at this moment, they all had an additional reason to fight for the bride price.
"Fourth, go call your elder brother over to the house. Just tell him I have something to discuss," Grandfather Zhao said, embodying the principle of taking action once an idea is formed.
Knowing that this matter wouldn't succeed without Grandfather Zhao's involvement, Zhao Guofu nodded and immediately set off to find Zhao Guoqiang.
The last time Zhao Xiaojin replaced Zhao Ying'er to marry into the Qi Family, it was a similar rhythm and scene. Even today, when Zhao Guofu came over, Zhao Guoqiang frowned.
Once Zhao Guofu explained his purpose, Zhao Guoqiang shook his head directly: "Xiao Jin and Qi Zheng are coming home for dinner today. Let's talk about this after they leave."
There was indeed no rush for this matter; after all, Zhao Ying'er wasn't marrying into the Wu Family tomorrow. However, Zhao Guofu was anxious!
He had waited so long already, and Zhao Xiaojin had been married into the Qi Family for quite some time. The furniture had been used by Zhao Guoqiang's family for so long; what if it got damaged or worn out?
Even if his elder brother's family took care of it and didn't break the furniture, several months had passed. Surely the furniture wouldn't be as new anymore. How would that be accounted for?
In short, even if Zhao Guofu wanted to retrieve the furniture now, he preferred to have it moved immediately and placed in his home.
With such thoughts in mind, Zhao Guofu couldn't wait for Zhao Guoqiang to wait until Zhao Xiaojin and Qi Zheng left before going to their house for a lecture.
"Elder brother, father is still waiting. It’s not good to keep him sitting there like this," Zhao Guofu said with a sarcastic tone while looking at Zhao Guoqiang, almost ready to drag him away forcefully.
If it were the old Zhao Guoqiang, he certainly wouldn’t have kept Grandfather Zhao waiting. As a son, he had always been sufficiently filial.
However, everyone has their limits. No matter how good-tempered one is, after being worn down time and again by Grandfather Zhao and others, patience gradually turned to ashes.
At this moment, Zhao Guofu's words were certainly reasonable; however, Zhao Guoqiang shook his head and insisted, "You go back first. If there's anything, I'll talk to Dad tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Zhao Guofu's expression immediately changed. He shouted at Zhao Guoqiang without hesitation, "I say, big brother, isn't there plenty of time this afternoon? You're just sitting at home with nothing to do; why wait until tomorrow? Fine, even if Xiao Jin and Qi Zheng are having dinner at home, you don't need to cook. What are you putting on airs for?"
Zhao Guofu was genuinely angry. Of course, this was also related to the deteriorating relationship he had with Zhao Guoqiang over time. Nowadays, just seeing Zhao Guoqiang made him furious, and he couldn't even be bothered to pretend to show respect anymore.
In the face of Zhao Guofu's disrespectful accusations, Zhao Guoqiang remained unfazed.
They were not family; they did not belong in the same household. Zhao Guofu and Chen Cui were essentially the same, a match made in heaven. Not to mention that over the years, Zhao Guofu had never shown him much respect. While Zhao Guoqiang wouldn't say he was used to it, he had long since come to terms with it.
If he really tried to argue with Zhao Guofu, he would probably be driven mad by him. So now, Zhao Guoqiang was actually quite relaxed, far exceeding Zhao Guofu's expectations.
Zhao Guofu truly felt powerless against Zhao Guoqiang. He initially thought that just mentioning Grandfather Zhao would force Zhao Guoqiang to comply. However, in reality, Zhao Guoqiang was more difficult to deal with than he had imagined.
Since when did his older brother become uncontrollable? The old Zhao Guoqiang was so easy to manipulate and take advantage of.
Thinking this way, Zhao Guofu was unwilling to give up so easily. After all, he needed to make sure that Zhao Guoqiang would obediently go with him to see their grandfather; otherwise, returning alone in disgrace would be quite embarrassing for him.
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