Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
With Aunt Sun as a strategist, many things became exceptionally simple. By the time Zhao Jin's new store opened, everything was back on track.
As Aunt Sun mentioned, "Golden Accessories" had gained some recognition after being in the market for half a year. As long as the promotion was done well, there would be no shortage of customers.
Aunt Sun knew many people, and her good connections proved invaluable at this moment. On the very first day of opening, Zhao Jin's Clothing Store already made a considerable income.
Good clothes naturally spread by word of mouth. Given this initial success, Zhao Jin felt confident about future developments. At this point, she no longer worried about the business and performance of the Clothing Store.
However, there was still one more important matter to consider: finding a reliable person to help oversee the store.
Zhao Jin herself was not an option. She had two children at home to care for and was responsible for sourcing the clothes, leaving her no time to spare.
Sun Qiuer could have been a candidate. But just like Qi Ze couldn't come to City to help with the Furniture Store before, Sun Qiuer's inability to come to City now was for the same reason. They had just gotten married, so it was naturally inappropriate.
After thinking it over, Zhao Jin found herself in a dilemma.
At that moment, Aunt Sun recommended someone: Hu Qiao'er, a language teacher from County School.
Since it was County School, it was no surprise that Zhao Yamei knew this person. As soon as Aunt Sun mentioned her, Zhao Yamei immediately nodded in agreement.
"Sister Qiao'er is great. She's one of us and trustworthy." Zhao Yamei's "one of us" referred to Hu Qiao'er's relationship with Aunt Sun.
Because Hu Qiao'er was Aunt Sun's sister-in-law, Aunt Sun knew her well. Making such a suggestion was a decision made after careful consideration.
Zhao Jin did not know Hu Qiao'er and felt puzzled upon hearing this: "A teacher? How could she possibly come help at the store?"
"Ah, about that, I’m really frustrated," Aunt Sun paused, her expression changing repeatedly before she decided to tell Zhao Jin everything honestly.
Although family scandals should not be aired in public, Aunt Sun considers Zhao Jin as one of her own. Moreover, if Hu Qiao'er is going to work at Zhao Jin's shop, she naturally needs to tell Zhao Jin everything and cannot keep any secrets.
After hearing about Hu Qiao'er's difficulties, Zhao Jin nodded without hesitation and immediately agreed to Hu Qiao'er coming to the shop.
Perhaps this is fate! Hu Qiao'er's experiences are somewhat similar to Zhao Jin's in her previous life. Hu Qiao'er's in-law family is not good, and her ex-husband often gets drunk and hits her. Hu Qiao'er could no longer endure the abuse, which is why she insisted on divorcing her ex-husband.
In this era, divorce is a significant matter, especially in a small county. Because of the divorce, Hu Qiao'er's reputation was completely ruined, and many parents of her students looked down on her and were concerned about her.
The main reason why Hu Qiao'er could not continue at County School is that her ex-husband liked to cause trouble at the school, greatly affecting its order and discipline.
At this point, although the school had not said much, Hu Qiao'er felt embarrassed to propose her resignation.
After that, Hu Qiao'er moved back to live with her maternal family with her son Shen Lin.
Aunt Sun does not dislike that Hu Qiao'er brought her child back to her maternal family. She has a good relationship with Hu Qiao'er and feels sorry for what she has gone through, always treating Hu Qiao'er kindly.
However, it is easy to see that if Hu Qiao'er's ex-husband can find her at school, he will definitely come looking for her at her maternal family as well.
Before this, that man had already caused trouble several times. Although he never got what he wanted each time, it was not a sustainable situation in the long run.
Not to mention there is an eight-year-old Shen Lin involved.
Hu Qiao'er can choose not to teach at school, but Shen Lin cannot skip school. The man's actions have left Shen Lin with serious trauma, directly leading him to refuse to go to school now...
No matter how hard adults have it, they cannot let their children suffer. How can an eight-year-old child not go to school?
This is the most troubling and frustrating dilemma for everyone.
Therefore, as soon as Aunt Sun heard that Zhao Jin's store was hiring, she became interested.
If Hu Qiao'er could come to the City, it would also allow Shen Lin to transfer to school in the City. This way, it would be a new beginning for both Hu Qiao'er and Shen Lin.
Aunt Sun's in-law family is not short on money. Supporting Hu Qiao'er and Shen Lin is completely manageable. Sending the children to school in the City is not an insurmountable problem.
However, there had never been a particularly suitable opportunity until now with the opening of Zhao Jin Clothing Store, which sparked Aunt Sun's idea.
Aunt Sun and Zhao Yamei both recommended Zhao Jin as a candidate, so Zhao Jin naturally trusted and valued her. Without much discussion, he verbally agreed to the matter.
However, before that, Zhao Jin still needed to see Hu Qiao'er in person.
Without needing Zhao Jin's reminder, Aunt Sun turned around to call for her.
It was quite a coincidence that Hu Qiao'er had also come to the City with Aunt Sun and Zhao Yamei. However, she was there to take Shen Lin out for some fun and relaxation.
Shen Lin has always been a quiet child. After experiencing her parents' divorce and various subsequent events, she became even less talkative.
The family is very worried about Shen Lin, and Hu Qiao'er feels especially heartbroken. Therefore, whenever there is an opportunity, she wants to make Shen Lin happy.
Coincidentally, since Aunt Sun and Zhao Yamei came to the City today, Hu Qiao'er took the chance to hitch a ride with them.
Since Aunt Sun and Zhao Yamei went directly to Zhao Jin's store while Hu Qiao'er took Shen Lin to the amusement park for some fun, they parted ways afterward.
Now that Aunt Sun unexpectedly secured a good job for Hu Qiao'er, it is only natural that she is eager to introduce Hu Qiao'er to Zhao Jin.
Thus, the following events unfolded quite smoothly.
Before meeting Hu Qiao'er, Zhao Jin had already guessed the outcome.
Teachers may not always be beautiful, but they certainly possess a unique charm. Zhao Jin admired teachers and had a good impression of Hu Qiao'er from the start.
And as it turned out, after actually meeting Hu Qiao'er, Zhao Jin's impression improved even more. Without any hesitation, she decided to partner with Hu Qiao'er.
Hu Qiao'er had heard of Zhao Jin. There was no way around it; her Sister-in-law often praised the beautiful clothes made by Zhao Jin at home. Although she didn't pay much attention to her own attire, she had to admit that her Sister-in-law was right—Zhao Jin was indeed very talented.
Zhao Jin's plan to open a store had been mentioned by Zhao Yamei and Aunt Sun during their journey from the county to City.
Knowing that Zhao Jin had faced unfair treatment in the marketplace made Hu Qiao'er feel angry on her behalf. However, Zhao Jin's decision to open her own store further deepened Hu Qiao'er's admiration for her.
In Hu Qiao'er's view, despite both facing setbacks, Zhao Jin was far more impressive. Aside from insisting on divorcing her Ex-Husband, she hadn't managed anything well since then. Even now, she hadn't been able to take good care of Shen Lin.
In contrast, after cutting ties with the marketplace, Zhao Jin found a more suitable path forward. Undoubtedly, this was a slap in the face for the marketplace.
Since both had a good impression of each other from the beginning, their collaboration was quickly established. Hu Qiao'er even moved to City with Shen Lin at the fastest speed possible.
With Hu Qiao'er helping to manage the store, Zhao Jin could let go of her worries.
From then on, Hu Qiao'er took charge of the business while Zhao Jin continued focusing on sewing clothes. In the short term, their cooperation was quite pleasant. From a long-term perspective, it seemed promising as well.
The Qi Family's series of significant actions could not be hidden from the villagers in their community.
Nowadays in Willow Leaf Village, anyone who mentions the Qi Family knows that no one is poor.
On the contrary, whenever people talk about the Qi Family, they are sure to first discuss the Qi Family's Furniture Store and Clothing Store.
But that was in City! And there were two stores. Who would believe that the days of the Qi Family are still not thriving?
The Grandma Zhao family certainly does not believe it.
Ever since the last time they caused a scene at the Qi Family, the Grandma Zhao family has not come to find Zhao Jin again. However, this does not mean that their anger and resentment towards Zhao Jin have disappeared.
Zhao Ying'er is indeed pregnant. And this pregnancy not only did not elevate Zhao Ying'er's status in the Wu Family, but instead immediately put her in a passive position.
No matter how lively Zhao Ying'er is, she cannot confront Wu Feng for a divorce while pregnant. Even if she wants to enjoy life at the Qi Family, she must first deal with the child in her womb.
Of course, although Zhao Ying'er is ruthless, she cannot directly harm her own belly.
This child, Zhao Ying'er is determined to keep and will give birth to.
So, the question of the child's belonging becomes a major issue.
For Zhao Ying'er, the child is undoubtedly Wu Feng's and belongs to the Wu Family, with no room for doubt.
However, the Wu Family does not trust Zhao Ying'er that much.
Especially after experiencing the commotion at the Qi Family, the way the Wu Family looks at Zhao Ying'er is filled with disgust and aversion, wishing they could quickly drive her away.
That's right, drive her away.
Since returning from the Qi Family, Wu Feng feels increasingly uncomfortable. He feels that as soon as he steps out, no matter where he goes, he is bound to be surrounded and watched. And why do people look at him? They must be laughing at him!
As a grown man with a high school education, how could he not even manage a mere Zhao Ying'er? Such a fact is simply too laughable!
Wu Feng is such an arrogant person. All along, he has considered himself superior and disregarded others.
Now, the situation has turned; roles have reversed, and he has become the one looked down upon by others!
Once this perception formed, Wu Feng felt uncomfortable no matter how he thought about it, firmly believing it was Zhao Ying'er's fault.
If it weren't for the troubles caused by Zhao Ying'er, how could he possibly become the laughingstock in everyone's eyes?
Therefore, Wu Feng insisted on divorcing Zhao Ying'er.
As for the child in Zhao Ying'er's womb, whoever cares can take care of it. He certainly wouldn't and wouldn't take responsibility.
Due to Wu Feng's attitude, the Wu Family's parents' attitude towards Zhao Ying'er became even more evident.
Now, Zhao Ying'er's situation in the Wu Family is even worse than before she got pregnant. At least before, Zhao Ying'er was only blamed for her laziness. Now, she is directly questioned about her entire character.
Zhao Ying'er never expected that after causing a scene at the Qi Family, she not only gained nothing but also put herself in a worse position.
The Wu Family is even more hateful. They actually refuse to acknowledge that the child in her womb is Wu Feng's! This has always weighed heavily on Zhao Ying'er's mind.
So when it comes to divorce, Zhao Ying'er first brings up the child in her womb with Wu Feng.
Undeniably, while Zhao Ying'er is determined to give birth to this child, she has no intention of taking this child to marry into the Qi Family.
She is not foolish. The Qi Family already has two grandsons, both biological sons of Qi Zheng. How could they not value or cherish them?
In contrast, her child has no connection to Qi Zheng, so how could it possibly hold any ground in the Qi Family?
Moreover, once she takes on this child, it will be a burden for her. It will affect her status in the Qi Family and her relationship with Qi Zheng.
Therefore, this burden, Zhao Ying'er will not bring along.
Since she does not want to carry it, she will definitely leave the child with the Wu Family.
After all, the child belongs to Wu Feng, and the Wu Family cannot deny it. At worst, they can wait until the child is born, go to the hospital for a check-up, and let the doctor evaluate the situation.
To be honest, because of the Wu Family's cold and tough attitude, Zhao Ying'er has considered not keeping this child.
After all, if the Wu Family insists on ignoring the child's well-being, Zhao Ying'er can foresee how difficult her life will be in the future.
However, as soon as she discussed this idea with her mother, it was immediately rejected.
Chen Cui's meaning was very simple. Who can guarantee that the Qi Family will treat Zhao Ying'er well? The child must be kept in the Wu Family so that Zhao Ying'er will have another option in the future. Otherwise, once Zhao Ying'er leaves the Wu Family, she will completely sever ties with them. After going through this marriage, if Zhao Ying'er gains nothing, wouldn't that be too regrettable?
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