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Back to the Eighties: A Marriage of Convenience
Without a doubt, Qi Ze was in the mindset of watching a spectacle.
It was undeniable that neither Cheng Fangfang nor Qi Xue left a good impression on Qi Ze.
At this moment, Qi Ze, adhering to the principle of favoritism, only wanted to protect Grandma Qi.
Thus, no matter how much Cheng Fangfang and Qi Xue argued or fought, it was their own business. As long as Grandma Qi wasn't hurt, Qi Ze didn't care and wouldn't intervene.
Moreover, both Cheng Fangfang and Qi Xue were not easy opponents. They were both formidable and capable of fighting, and Qi Ze didn't think he had the ability to get involved in their conflict.
Rather than adding unnecessary trouble for himself, it was better to stay out of it from the beginning!
After all, this matter really had nothing to do with him, right?
Qi Ze's thoughts weren't wrong. However, when it came to who was stronger between Cheng Fangfang and Qi Xue, there was indeed a clear distinction today. For example, just now Cheng Fangfang had been taught a lesson by Qi Xue.
Cheng Fangfang was indeed no match for Qi Xue. However, that didn't mean Cheng Fangfang had no way to deal with Qi Xue.
If Cheng Fangfang truly decided to get serious, Qi Xue might not necessarily win easily.
Sure enough, an enraged Cheng Fangfang suddenly struck Qi Xue without hesitation.
Previously, Qi Xue had won against Cheng Fangfang. But at this moment, Cheng Fangfang's attack was a sneak attack; Qi Xue hadn't reacted in time and took the hit.
By the time Qi Xue wanted to retaliate, Cheng Fangfang had already dodged several steps back and even bent down to pick up a stone from the ground.
Seeing Cheng Fangfang looking ready for a life-and-death struggle, Qi Xue's face turned pale with anger as she contemplated whether she should also turn around and grab a stone to engage in a fierce battle with Cheng Fangfang.
However, before Qi Xue could turn around, Grandma Qi spoke up first: "Alright, enough of the fuss, let's disperse quickly."
Grandma Qi wasn't favoring anyone; she simply didn't want things to escalate further upon seeing Cheng Fangfang pick up a stone instinctively.
It was one thing to argue verbally, and even if they got into a scuffle, it could be tolerated. But if blood was shed or someone got hurt, that was unacceptable.
Moreover, Grandma Qi had no fondness for either Cheng Fangfang or Qi Xue, so she decided to drive them both away.
Qi Xue felt somewhat wronged and looked at Grandma Qi in disbelief.
She had just been defending Grandma Qi all along. Yet now, Grandma Qi was not helping her?
After all, she had been struck by Cheng Fangfang right in front of Grandma Qi! She couldn't believe that Grandma Qi hadn't seen it.
She was different from Cheng Fangfang. She was Grandma Qi's biological daughter; how could she possibly be less favored than Cheng Fangfang, an outsider who married into the family?
Thinking of this made Qi Xue's expression unusually grim, and her mind raced through several thoughts.
Cheng Fangfang was also furious. She had just found a way to retaliate and was about to teach Qi Xue a lesson when Grandma Qi unexpectedly sided with Qi Xue and wanted to drive her away?
Indeed, she was the biological daughter! Even after all these years of neglecting Grandma Qi's well-being, Grandma Qi still favored Qi Xue!
With this thought in mind, Cheng Fangfang's dissatisfaction with Grandma Qi grew even stronger.
It is no exaggeration to say that Grandma Qi's intervention effectively interrupted the escalating conflict between Cheng Fangfang and Qi Xue but simultaneously drew both of their animosities toward herself.
Did Grandma Qi care? Of course, she did. But to be heartbroken? That was not the case.
The time for her to be heartbroken had long passed. Now, as she ignored the unfriendly glares from Cheng Fangfang and Qi Xue, Grandma Qi simply shook her head and dismissed them.
Everyone has family members they care about and want to protect more. Above Cheng Fangfang and Qi Xue, Grandma Qi has found family and loved ones she wants to guard even more.
Therefore, no matter what happens, Grandma Qi will no longer be as sad and upset as she once was. Qi Xue ultimately decided against continuing to confront Cheng Fangfang. After all, she has already kept this account in her heart, and there will be plenty of opportunities to settle it with Cheng Fangfang later. Right now, compared to Cheng Fangfang, she has more important things to do.
With this calculation in mind, Qi Xue tugged at the corners of her mouth, forcing out a reluctant smile as she approached Grandma Qi: "Mother, your daughter has come back to see you."
Even though Qi Xue deliberately used the respectful term "you," it still couldn't shake Grandma Qi's heart. The love that Grandma Qi had for Qi Xue had long been exhausted by Qi Xue's actions.
At this moment, when faced with the items that Qi Xue brought, Grandma Qi had no intention of accepting them; she merely looked at Qi Xue with a face full of vigilance and asked directly, "What is your purpose?"
Previously, Cheng Fangfang and Qi Erzhu had also caused a stir at home over the money made from furniture by Qi Zheng. So what is Qi Xue here for?
"Mother! Look at what you're saying. No matter what, I am your own daughter. Is there anything wrong with coming back to see you?" Feeling hurt by Grandma Qi's suspicious attitude, Qi Xue couldn't help but vent her frustrations.
For Qi Xue, her surname is Qi, and it is only natural for her to return to the Qi Family at any time. However, being treated by Grandma Qi as if she were some scheming villain was not something she liked—she disliked it very much.
"After so many years without coming back, what necessity is there this time?" Although Grandma Qi has a gentle personality, it does not mean she is easily deceived.
On the contrary, Grandma Qi is quite perceptive. She can guess both the ulterior motives of Cheng Fangfang and the intentions behind Qi Xue's current visit.
It all comes down to one word: money.
Having raised her daughter herself, Grandma Qi understands her well enough.
Thus, facing Qi Xue's so-called arguments, Grandma Qi remained unfazed and simply looked at Qi Xue with a calm expression.
Under Grandma Qi's gaze, Qi Xue suddenly found herself unable to speak the words she had prepared in advance.
After a moment of silent frustration, Qi Xue decided to be straightforward and asked, "Is Jin home? I need to talk to her about something."
It was clear that she had ulterior motives. Grandma Qi was not surprised by this revelation. However, she was not going to let Qi Xue see Zhao Jin so easily. "What do you want with Jin?" Before today, Qi Xue had hardly interacted with Zhao Jin. Now that she suddenly showed up, it was hard for Grandma Qi not to be suspicious. "Of course, it's about the clothes!" Since she had already started speaking, Qi Xue didn't hold back. She shrugged and spread her hands, "I've heard that Jin's skills are quite good; every piece of clothing she makes looks great, and she even sells them at the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative, right? Hurry up and let Jin make me an outfit too. After all, I'm Qi Zheng's only aunt; surely Zhao Jin can manage this little request?"
Qi Xue made this decision after careful consideration.
Deep down, she knew very well that she hadn't been in touch with Grandma Qi and the others for many years. Showing up out of the blue and making demands of Zhao Jin was undoubtedly not advantageous.
However, once Qi Xue learned that the most expensive clothes sold at the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative were all made by Zhao Jin, she became determined.
Qi Xue loved beauty and paid special attention to enhancing her self-image. According to her own words, as the wife of the village chief's family, she had to maintain their reputation and face.
She understood what kind of reputation the village chief's family needed, which required her to wear good and expensive clothing. Not to mention, she wasn't truly part of the village chief's family; they were merely relatives.
Regardless, Qi Xue insisted on wearing the clothes that Zhao Jin sold at the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative. At the same time, her only goal was: no payment.
Otherwise, why would she bring these things up at the Qi Family? It was just to silence Zhao Jin.
After all, she was Qi Zheng's aunt. Did relatives need to pay for a piece of clothing? Did Zhao Jin think money grew on trees? She shouldn't get stuck in a money trap.
At this point, Qi Xue's intentions and purpose were crystal clear. This was also the fundamental reason why she suddenly appeared at the door of the Qi Family.
Grandma Qi was unaware of Qi Xue's calculations and had no desire to know.
Hearing that Qi Xue came for clothes, Grandma Qi felt relieved.
As long as Qi Xue was honest about her intentions, Grandma Qi would naturally find a way to deal with it. What she feared was that Qi Xue would try to play tricks on her.
In the Qi Family, the most precious person was the pregnant Zhao Jin. Grandma Qi would never allow Zhao Jin to have even the slightest mishap.
Therefore, even though Qi Xue was her biological daughter, Grandma Qi still did not welcome her. "My Jin is pregnant," she said, looking displeased at Qi Xue, which was a clear rejection.
What clothes? How precious is her Jin right now? She couldn't be bothered. It wouldn't matter who came; no one would be of any use.
"Oh, she's pregnant? That's great news." After casually brushing off the comment, Qi Xue hurriedly continued, "Since she's pregnant, doesn't that mean Jin doesn't need to make clothes to sell to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative anymore? Just in time for her to make me a set; I've been waiting to wear it!"
Qi Xue was quite thick-skinned, pretending not to hear Grandma Qi's refusal and insisting on sticking around.
She didn't care whether Zhao Jin was pregnant or not; she only cared about whether she had clothes to wear.
Qi Xue had already made plans. She would first wear the clothes Zhao Jin gave her and enjoy herself for a while. It was just right for her to show off and gain some face.
Once she got tired of wearing them, she would go back to Zhao Jin for a few more pieces. By then, she could also give some to other relatives in the Xue Family to appease their anger and return some favors. This way, the in-law family wouldn't have any issues because of her showing off, or worse, develop a rift with her.
There was no helping it; after all, there were quite a few women in the Xue Family, and they all loved beauty and dressing up.
Compared to the Qi Family, Qi Xue usually cared more about the Xue Family.
Qi Xue thought very simply. In her view, the Xue Family was her in-law family and the foundation of her life going forward. Naturally, the first people she wanted to please were the members of the Xue Family.
As for the Qi Family, Qi Xue believed she was already married and no longer needed to pay them any mind.
Anyway, the Qi Family won't share any of their money with her in the future. Not to mention, what kind of situation the Qi Family is in; others may not know, but she certainly does.
The Qi Family is so poor that they can barely make ends meet, so what's the point of trying to please them? She wouldn't waste her time and energy on that.
Qi Xue's tone was too irritating. At this point, Qi Ze couldn't take it anymore and interjected, "So how much does Aunt plan to pay my Sister-in-law?"
As soon as "money" was mentioned, Qi Xue's expression changed immediately.
In disbelief, Qi Xue pointed at what she was holding: "What money? Does family need to pay for making clothes? Didn't you see Aunt brought so many things for Jin? How can she still have the nerve to ask Aunt for money?"
"Aunt, weren't these things you brought back to see Grandma?" Qi Ze rolled his eyes and retorted without courtesy.
He didn't want to acknowledge an aunt like Qi Xue, who only stepped on others to elevate herself.
Thus, Qi Ze wasn't afraid of offending Qi Xue. He completely ignored how dark her expression had become.
Qi Xue was momentarily speechless and glared at Qi Ze angrily: "Why are you everywhere? Aunt is talking to your grandmother! You should just stay out of it."
Wasn't that obviously trying to drive him away? Qi Ze shrugged and indeed said nothing more, but he didn't leave as Qi Xue expected.
It was clear that his aunt had ulterior motives for coming back. What if she upset his grandmother? What would happen then?
Qi Ze didn't trust Qi Xue's character at all. Undoubtedly, he was on guard.
Seeing that Qi Ze stood still, Qi Xue's expression darkened again.
Initially, she thought returning would be simple. After all, it was just a piece of clothing; how much could Zhao Jin's homemade clothes be worth?
She never expected that before even seeing Zhao Jin's face, she would encounter obstacles and difficulties from Grandma Qi and Qi Ze, which truly infuriated Qi Xue.
On one side was her biological mother, and on the other was her own nephew. Qi Xue was stunned for a while, unable to utter a single word.
How infuriating! What made Qi Xue even more frustrated was that she had just finished complaining about Qi Ze when Grandma Qi's scolding immediately fell upon her: "How can you still have the face to stand here? How do you even consider yourself a proper aunt? Don't you feel embarrassed at all? If you remembered that you are the biological aunt of several children, you wouldn't be standing here so brazenly."
"Enough! We, the Qi Family, cannot accept what you've brought. As for the clothes you want, stop daydreaming. Jin has no time to deal with your matters and no energy to pay attention to you. Just go do what you need to do and don't linger here to annoy people." Because she was more concerned about Zhao Jin, Grandma Qi left no face for Qi Xue at all.
At this point, Qi Xue was so angry that she couldn't even speak.
While Qi Xue was having a hard time, Cheng Fangfang was particularly pleased. She thought Qi Xue had such a big face! After being away for so long, did she really expect a warm welcome from the Qi Family?
In the end, Qi Xue was only slightly better off than her!
Oh wait, that wasn't right; Qi Xue was even worse off than her! At least every time Cheng Fangfang came to the Qi Zheng Family, she had never been treated like Qi Xue was at this moment—being turned away at the door.
Comparing herself with Qi Xue in front of the Qi Zheng Family, Cheng Fangfang couldn't help but feel proud.
Cheng Fangfang didn't realize that the reason the Qi Zheng Family suddenly closed their doors was to block her troublesome Second Aunt. As for Qi Xue, she was completely innocent and caught in the crossfire.
However, after hearing about Qi Xue's motives, both Grandma Qi and Qi Ze no longer felt that Qi Xue was "innocent."
Qi Xue's motives were not pure; she had no good intentions. To ensure Zhao Jin could safely carry the baby, they would absolutely not allow any threats to approach Zhao Jin.
Given that Grandma Qi and Qi Ze were too harsh with their words, Qi Xue spent a long time unable to enter. In a fit of anger, she picked up her things and left.
If they didn’t want it, then fine! What’s so great about that? Did she really have to beg Grandma Qi to accept her good things?
Unable to get the clothes from Zhao Jin, did she really plan to leave these things for Grandma Qi? She was overthinking!
After wasting so much effort and suffering a loss at Cheng Fangfang's place, it was truly infuriating.
Fine, Qi Zheng's Family better pray that they don't come to her for anything in the future. Otherwise, just wait and see how she would return the cold shoulder today.
Qi Xue left just like that, with neither Grandma Qi nor Qi Ze calling her back, allowing Qi Xue to walk away.
On the other hand, after all this commotion, Cheng Fangfang finally remembered her purpose for coming back to Qi Zheng's Family.
According to Cheng Fangfang, she was here to demand something from Qi Zheng's Family. Being kicked out earlier was so humiliating!
But now that Qi Erzhu had left, leaving her alone facing Grandma Qi and Qi Ze, Cheng Fangfang felt that she would suffer another loss.
With so many villagers watching the surroundings, Cheng Fangfang felt increasingly uncomfortable.
Just as she was seriously considering how to confront Qi Zheng's Family again, Grandma Qi and Qi Ze unexpectedly turned around and went back into the courtyard.
Before Cheng Fangfang could react, the main gate of Qi Zheng's Family closed right in front of her.
She had just mocked Qi Xue, and now it was her turn; things weren't looking any better for her.
How embarrassing! At that moment, Cheng Fangfang truly felt humiliated.
So many people were watching! Grandma Qi's actions clearly told everyone that she, as a daughter-in-law, was not favored by her mother-in-law.
Cheng Fangfang felt wronged and instantly hated Grandma Qi. Fine! It was just the gate of Qi Zheng's Family! Just wait and see; she didn't believe she couldn't step through that door!
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