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Back to the Eighties: A Cherished Marriage
Seeing Zhao Yamei finally willing to wear a dress, Zhao Jin smiled.
"Jin, what are you playing at with your cousin?" He Yun was also puzzled about what Zhao Jin was up to. However, out of trust for Zhao Jin, she did not stop his actions.
At this moment, seeing Zhao Yamei finally compromise, He Yun curiously walked over and asked in confusion.
"Aunt Zhao, just wait and see. Once Cousin comes out, you'll definitely understand everything," Zhao Jin replied. Some things didn't need to be made too clear. Zhao Jin believed that when Zhao Yamei walked out, she would provide He Yun with the most accurate answer.
Seeing Zhao Jin so confident, He Yun nodded and accompanied him in waiting without asking further.
Zhao Yamei changed clothes quickly and soon walked out from behind the curtain.
When Zhao Yamei reappeared in front of He Yun, she indeed gave He Yun a very clear answer.
"How is it? Does it look good?" Zhao Jin asked with a grin, blinking at He Yun.
"It looks good." He Yun had always known that both of her daughters were beautiful. However, with the issues of marriage and children, Zhao Yamei had gradually lost her former brilliance.
Of course, it wasn't that Zhao Yamei became unattractive after getting married. It was just that she no longer possessed the same delicate charm as when she was single; instead, she gradually took on a heavier and gloomier aura that concealed her own radiance.
At this moment, wearing a long dress, Zhao Yamei immediately looked different. Although it couldn't be said to be a complete transformation, it was undoubtedly beautiful.
Zhao Yamei was initially a bit dazed. However, upon hearing the conversation between Zhao Jin and He Yun, her intelligence allowed her to quickly understand Zhao Jin's true intention.
Unable to help herself, Zhao Yamei spun around twice in place, seriously examining the dress she was wearing.
Although there was no full-length mirror to see herself at that moment, Zhao Yamei believed in the judgment of Zhao Jin and He Yun. The two of them had no reason to deceive her, and even if they tried, they wouldn't succeed.
"Very fairy-like, very beautiful." Just as He Yun and Zhao Yamei were lost in their thoughts, Zhao Jin's words once again drew their attention. "Just having nice clothes isn't enough. Cousin needs to put in more effort; otherwise, how can she make Cousin-in-law captivated?"
"Jin, you..." He Yun, being a cultured person, was usually very proper and conservative. In terms of marital relationships, she always believed in mutual respect and spiritual connection.
However, at this moment, Zhao Jin's comment made He Yun blush as an elder and shake her head disapprovingly.
Zhao Yamei also felt a bit flustered and even somewhat at a loss.
Although she was a city girl, Zhao Yamei had always been taught by He Yun through example. As a teacher, He Yun instilled in Zhao Yamei the values of self-respect and self-love, emphasizing the importance of being reserved and proud, never losing her elegance.
Zhao Jin's words were undoubtedly a shock to Zhao Yamei's mindset, causing a severe clash with her established beliefs. "Oh Aunt Zhao, don’t misunderstand. I didn’t mean anything else; I just feel that Cousin’s transformation isn’t thorough enough." With He Yun calling her out like that, Zhao Jin shrugged innocently. "In my eyes, Cousin is not only beautiful but also elegant and intellectual. Just standing there is enough to attract people's attention irresistibly. But now? Aunt Zhao, look at Cousin; is there any difference from before? Has she changed?"
If Zhao Jin hadn't mentioned it, He Yun would not have realized this point.
It wasn't that she didn't care about Zhao Yamei; it was just that she had no awareness of this aspect herself. While He Yun valued cleanliness and tidiness in clothing and appearance, she didn't focus on whether it was attractive or not.
Zhao Yamei had always been more reserved than her younger sister Zhao Yaru. According to He Yun, loving beauty and dressing up were traits exclusive to her daughter Zhao Yaru and had nothing to do with her eldest daughter Zhao Yamei.
But now that Zhao Jin brought it up, it was as if a floodgate had opened, suddenly making He Yun aware of the issue.
Indeed, the relationship between Zhao Yamei and Sun Feng was currently in a cold phase. If Zhao Yamei didn't make an effort to change, how could she possibly win back Sun Feng's heart?
You cannot approach this matter with past fixed mindsets, nor can you allow Zhao Yamei to continue like this. Change! There must be a proactive change!
In that fleeting moment of realization, Zhao Yamei suddenly understood what was going on.
After a pause, although feeling a bit embarrassed, Zhao Yamei still looked at Zhao Jin with hopeful eyes.
The problem was identified by Jin, so Jin must have some experience, right?
This thought led Zhao Yamei to misunderstand Zhao Jin.
No, Zhao Jin, like Zhao Yamei, had no experience whatsoever.
However, having lived an extra life and bearing the immense expectations of He Yun and Zhao Yamei, Zhao Jin clapped her hands and decided to go all out.
"Hey, don't look at me like that; it's making me feel anxious." To be honest, Zhao Jin was completely improvising; it wasn't even a case of learning on the spot. With the weight of He Yun and Zhao Yamei's expectations on her shoulders, Zhao Jin felt overwhelmed and quickly explained, "I mainly want to remind Cousin how confident you used to be! Your aura was exceptional and dazzling. Now, you've lost the very qualities you should be proud of."
"In my opinion, Cousin should forget about the unhappy times before. Relax and have a serious talk with Cousin-in-law. If it’s hard to express yourself, that’s fine; Cousin should start by changing herself. For now, let’s not think about anything else, including the child issue—there's no need to rush. You know what they say: haste makes waste. Just go with the flow. Cousin should focus on living well with Cousin-in-law and not put too much pressure on herself." Zhao Jin's words were undoubtedly sincere. Whether or not Zhao Yamei listened depended on her own thoughts.
At the same time, Zhao Jin looked at He Yun: "Aunt Zhao is an elder; do you have any suggestions for easing marital relations?"
Zhao Jin was being very tactful, but He Yun kept shaking her head. What they were discussing had nothing to do with easing relationships; it was clearly about matters concerning children!
He Yun managing to suppress the heat rising in her face and standing strong here was already a significant improvement. Yet Zhao Jin still wanted her to come up with ideas?
He Yun felt that she was hit by an unexpected shock. She absolutely did not understand this matter and could not compare to the thoughts and mindset of young people; she simply could not participate.
Well, based on Zhao Jin's understanding of He Yun as a mentor, it was indeed likely that she was not skilled in such matters, making it difficult for He Yun.
"What about Cousin?" Unable to rely on He Yun, Zhao Jin thought that Zhao Yamei might have other ideas.
No! Zhao Yamei shook her head with a flushed face, having no thoughts at all.
If there were a hole in the ground right now, Zhao Yamei would gladly dive into it and never come out to face anyone again. It was too embarrassing!
However, for the sake of her family and the long-awaited child, Zhao Yamei felt that regardless of the means or methods, she had to give it a try.
Moreover, although it was somewhat embarrassing, Sun Feng was her man, and Zhao Yamei believed she had not done anything wrong. It was just a matter between her and Sun Feng when they returned home; she...
As long as she gritted her teeth and made up her mind, it wasn't impossible!
After sending off Zhao Yamei and He Yun, even Zhao Jin found it somewhat unbelievable.
She had to admit that in such matters, it was her first time being thrust into the situation, and she was clearly a bit inexperienced.
However, Zhao Jin firmly believed that if Zhao Yamei truly made up her mind, there would definitely be some changes. At that point, it would depend on how Zhao Yamei and Sun Feng handled things themselves.
At worst, they had already done their part in this matter; what remained was simply to accept their fate.
That evening, Zhao Jin seriously confided in Qi Zheng about this matter. After all, Qi Zheng was also a man and might be able to offer some helpful advice.
Unfortunately, Qi Zheng was of no help in this matter. His feelings for Zhao Jin simply could not be applied to anyone else. Naturally, they could not be confused with one another.
Not being able to get an answer from Qi Zheng, Zhao Jin was not disappointed. She nodded and moved on to other matters.
As for Zhao Yamei, Zhao Jin sincerely wished for her to achieve her desires.
With the new batch of clothes for Zhao Jin and the next batch of furniture from Qi Zheng being taken away, the situation for the Qi Family had completely improved.
Once all the accounts with the Supply and Marketing Cooperative and Uncle Tao were settled, Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng finally had some spare money in their hands.
Returning home in glory and remembering their roots, Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng first headed to Zhao Jin's Maternal Family.
Seeing Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng carrying large bags home, Xu Mei helped take over while scolding the two children for being wasteful.
“Tsk tsk, look at this, our Jin has really struck it rich!” Qian Minmin teased from the side.
“Isn't that right?” Zhao Jin responded without modesty, meeting Qian Minmin's teasing with a proud expression. “Second Sister-in-law, I’m telling you, both me and Qi Zheng came back specifically to honor our parents.” “I know, I know. You two are here to compete for affection! Jin, I warn you, no more next time! Otherwise, just see if this Second Sister-in-law will let you both in again.” Qian Minmin was joking, but she also sincerely expressed her desire to prevent Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng from spending money recklessly.
Whether it was Zhao Jin or Qi Zheng, earning money was not easy. One spent most of her time in front of a sewing machine making clothes, never stopping even when tired. The other often worked late into the night to finish furniture; it was indeed hard work.
These two were truly dedicated to living their lives and working hard for their future. Those around them saw it all and felt it deeply.
So when they saw that life was improving for Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng, the Zhao Family was very happy. However, accepting these gifts once was fine, but if it happened too often, they would refuse.
"Don't worry. If the Second Sister-in-law doesn't open the door for us, there's still Sister-in-law!" Zhao Jin naturally understood Qian Minmin's meaning. She said this with a bright smile on her face.
"Do you think Sister-in-law will side with you two?" With her arms crossed, Qian Minmin wasn't afraid that Sun Chun'er would turn against them. After all, Sun Chun'er was quite fond of Zhao Jin and wouldn't mind giving her some leeway.
In other matters, Sun Chun'er indeed cared for Zhao Jin and was willing to indulge her. However, in this situation, Sun Chun'er shared Qian Minmin's stance and did not agree.
"Jin, don't spend money recklessly next time. We have everything we need at home; we don't want our parents to feel uneasy," Sun Chun'er spoke loudly, deliberately avoiding letting Qi Zheng hear.
Zhao Jin understood that Sun Chun'er was being considerate of Qi Zheng's feelings and didn't want him to feel embarrassed. After all, the Qi Family had always been in a difficult situation in the eyes of the Zhao Family. Even though things had improved recently, they still weren't entirely at ease. However, Zhao Jin pouted and raised her voice intentionally: "Sister-in-law, this matter has nothing to do with me; you need to talk to Qi Zheng about it. I didn't even ask for these things when we bought them. We're all family; why be polite? But Qi Zheng insisted on buying things for our parents. Oh, and he also bought things for you and Brother-in-law and your three kids. If you have any objections, bring it up with Qi Zheng! I'm innocent here."
The Zhao Family certainly knew that Qi Zheng had agreed to buy these items. It was his suggestion to purchase them, and given their understanding of Qi Zheng, no one doubted it.
However, very few people believed that Zhao Jin was innocent in this matter.
Sun Chun'er was kind-hearted and didn't argue with Zhao Jin. Qian Minmin was different; she tugged at Zhao Jin's arm and kept talking.
Zhao Jin and Qian Minmin had laughed and joked together many times before. Today was no exception as they enjoyed their playful banter.
The elders didn't mind the two of them being noisy and allowed Zhao Jin and Qian Minmin to chatter away.
The way Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng returned home attracted attention. Although they hadn't deliberately informed others, it still drew curious glances from neighbors.
Some curious villagers directly came in to greet Zhao Jin while also peeking at the items that Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng had brought back. Once they left, they eagerly spread the news around without holding back.
Too many voices lead to the rapid spread of rumors. By noon, Grandfather Zhao and his family once again took the initiative to visit.
Since the unpleasant incident following Zhao Ying'er's marriage, Zhao Guoqiang's family had indeed become distant from Grandfather Zhao and the others.
Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui were also sensible. During this time, they had not come over to provoke trouble or create a scene.
Zhao Guoqiang's family thought that the two families could live in peace from then on, each minding their own business. Unexpectedly, today, the calm between them was once again shattered.
Upon seeing the arrival of Grandfather Zhao and his six companions, Qian Minmin frowned and quietly pulled Zhao Jin aside, whispering, “Why is Zhao Ying'er back at her Maternal Family? What a coincidence.”
It was indeed a coincidence. Zhao Ying'er had no prior knowledge that Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng were also returning today; she came back to her Maternal Family to complain to her parents and seek support from her elders.
Little did she expect that as soon as she opened her mouth to speak, she would overhear Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng discussing their large bags being brought into Zhao Guoqiang's yard.
In an instant, Zhao Ying'er's mouth snapped shut.
Life for Zhao Jin was clearly getting better, but what about her? Despite marrying into a wealthier family with Wu Feng, her life was not as comfortable as Zhao Jin's?
The stark contrast felt like a hard thorn lodged in Zhao Ying'er's throat. Suddenly, she no longer wanted to complain to Grandfather Zhao and the others.
No way, it would be too embarrassing! If she did, she would definitely be laughed at!
She didn't want to mention her own situation. On the contrary, her desire to come over and see for herself whether Zhao Jin was truly living so well grew stronger.
Thus, Zhao Ying'er followed along as well.
"Yo, Jin Ke is really filial. Just a trip back to the Maternal Family, and he brings back so many things!" Chen Cui's tone was sarcastic, but she couldn't hide her envy and jealousy.
Both have married daughters, but Zhao Ying'er clearly can't compare to Zhao Jin's filial piety. Zhao Jin goes back to the Maternal Family just to buy things, while Zhao Ying'er returns empty-handed...
Even if Chen Cui didn't mean to complain about Zhao Ying'er, she still subconsciously compared the two. And once there was a comparison, the differences immediately became apparent.
"Isn't that right? Who told our family Jin to be so filial!" Chen Cui loved to be sarcastic, and Qian Minmin didn't hold back, directly countering her, "Oh, Ying'er also went back to the Maternal Family today! I wonder what Ying'er brought back for the Maternal Family. It would be nice for us to see something new!"
"I..." Zhao Ying'er opened her mouth and then closed it again. She had nothing to bring back, so she felt lacking in confidence. Moreover, with Qian Minmin asking in front of so many people, she didn't know how to respond. "My family’s Ying'er definitely sends good things back to the Maternal Family as soon as possible; is that even a question? Who doesn't know my family’s Ying'er married well and has nothing to worry about! It's just that the In-law family is well-off, living a prosperous life without lacking anything!" Not wanting to lose face, Chen Cui immediately puffed herself up.
However, Chen Cui's response first drew the displeasure of Grandma Zhao.
With an annoyed cold snort, Grandma Zhao's expression was clearly dark: "No matter how well you marry, you must genuinely want to send things back to the Maternal Family. Otherwise, it's all for nothing; it's worthless."
Grandma Zhao's words froze Chen Cui's expression.
Feeling embarrassed on her face, Chen Cui never expected that Grandma Zhao would expose her in front of Zhao Guoqiang's family, leaving her with no face at all.
Zhao Ying'er also felt very awkward but particularly wronged.
It wasn't that she didn't want to send things back to the Maternal Family, but her mother-in-law was too formidable, and Wu Feng wouldn't stand by her side or help her!
Besides, wasn't she here seeking help? If her grandmother and mother were willing to help her seek justice from the In-law family, wouldn't the Wu Family be under her control in the future? Everything would have to listen to her!
By that time, without Grandma and her mother, wouldn't she definitely send all the good things to the Maternal Family?
Zhao Ying'er was calculating and scheming in her heart. Even though she hadn't yet grasped the speaking rights of the Wu Family, she had already immersed herself in the role and couldn't extricate herself. In a way, this ability to imagine was quite strong.
Grandma Zhao didn't care whether Zhao Ying'er was imagining things or what she was currently thinking. In Grandma Zhao's eyes, their family's marriage with the Wu Family was a loss for them.
Originally wanting to profit from the Wu Family's Bride Price, there was none! Originally hoping that once Zhao Ying'er married over, they could gain benefits from the Wu Family, still none!
The Wu Family didn't value their Zhao Family at all, and Zhao Ying'er didn't have the ability to support her Maternal Family. It would be better to marry Qi Zheng! At least the Qi Family's Bride Price was substantial enough to make people envious.
Moreover, in just half a year, Qi Zheng had turned things around; the Qi Family was different now. Just looking at what Zhao Jin brought to the Maternal Family today, Grandma Zhao could guarantee that Zhao Jin's good days had already arrived.
If she had known that this would be the subsequent development, how could Grandma Zhao have possibly married Zhao Ying'er off to the Wu Family? Instead, she should have let Zhao Jin marry into the Qi Family!
Regret! Grandma Zhao regretted it deeply. How could she have thought that Qi Zheng would prosper? How could she have thought that although the Wu Family seemed wealthy, they wouldn't gain anything at all?
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