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Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
Due to Zhao Jin's vigilance, Cheng Fangfang felt a sudden chill in her heart, instantly sensing an ominous premonition.
This wasn't the first time Cheng Fangfang had clashed with Zhao Jin. Zhao Jin's reaction clearly indicated that she was ready to confront her.
Recalling the times she had suffered losses at Zhao Jin's hands, Cheng Fangfang couldn't help but raise her defenses to the highest level.
No matter what, she couldn't keep losing to Zhao Jin! After all, she used to be unbeatable in the village!
When Zhao Jin opened her mouth to ask a question, Cheng Fangfang's expression changed immediately.
As expected, she should have established a good relationship with Zhao Jin early on. Just look at how their relationship stood now; it was utterly disadvantageous for her. Before she could even speak, Zhao Jin had almost completely cornered her.
With an inexplicable sigh, Cheng Fangfang wasn't mourning the fact that she hadn't befriended Zhao Jin sooner; rather, she lamented her lack of foresight.
If she had known that Zhao Jin was formidable and could take charge of the Qi Family, she wouldn't have underestimated her. She wouldn't have let their relationship deteriorate to this point.
Regrettably, Cheng Fangfang felt particularly remorseful.
"Jin, Second Aunt knows that you're making a lot of money now; you're different, you're a big boss now..." Putting aside other matters, Cheng Fangfang first adorned Zhao Jin with flattering praise.
Now that things had reached this point, Cheng Fangfang understood that no matter how much she regretted it, it was too late.
Thinking about past regrets that couldn't be revisited, all she could do now was try her best to make amends.
Cheng Fangfang's tone was unusually gentle and laced with unhidden flattery. It was clear that there were ulterior motives and premeditation behind her words.
With this in mind, Zhao Jin immediately shifted her body to the side, looking perplexedly at Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju not far away.
Cheng Fangfang What is going on this time? Haven't their families already stopped interacting with each other? Why is Cheng Fangfang still so clueless, shamelessly trying to take advantage?
Zhao Jin had already received a clear answer and fact without needing to speak. Before she could say anything, Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju simultaneously shook their heads at her, indicating that Zhao Jin should completely ignore Cheng Fangfang.
Well, since the elders had given a clear directive, Zhao Jin did not hesitate. She interrupted Cheng Fangfang's insincere flattery and said directly, “Second Aunt, I’m going to check if Guo Guo and Dou Dou are awake. You can continue with what you’re doing.”
After saying that, Zhao Jin was about to enter the house, also preparing to shake off Cheng Fangfang's entanglement.
However, how could Cheng Fangfang let Zhao Jin escape so easily? Zhao Jin was her last hope. If she didn’t hold on tightly now, Cheng Fangfang knew very well that her family of four would return empty-handed again.
Although it wasn’t an unexpected outcome, Cheng Fangfang still felt a deep sense of unwillingness.
How many times had she shown weakness to Qi Zheng's Family? She had flattered them with countless sweet words, yet no one from Qi Zheng's Family seemed to be swayed; they all acted as if they were above it all.
Just because they had money now! Who do they look down on? No matter what, she was still Qi Zheng's own Second Aunt. Isn’t this family being too dismissive?
But ultimately, Cheng Fangfang only dared to complain in her heart. If she were to voice her thoughts now, she wouldn’t be able to stand here for long; she would probably have been kicked out by Grandma Qi already.
“No rush, no rush. Second Aunt is really not busy at all, there’s nothing much to do.” Waving her hand, Cheng Fangfang quickly said.
She came specifically to find Zhao Jin, so how could there be anything else to attend to?
Moreover, even if she were truly busy and hadn’t arranged for Qi Juanjuan and Qi Tingting to go work at the workshop today, how could she focus on anything else?
To be honest, Cheng Fangfang seriously suspected that Zhao Jin had already seen through her intentions.
However, since she had seen through it yet still pretended not to know anything, Cheng Fangfang’s impression of Zhao Jin instantly dropped another level.
Truly worthy of being the daughter-in-law raised by Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju! All she knows is being selfish and not caring at all for their relatives.
This whole family better pray that they don't face a decline in the future. Otherwise, when that time comes, they shouldn't blame her for turning against them and giving back what they deserve for their current disdain and contempt towards Qi Zheng's Family.
Cheng Fangfang has never been a magnanimous person. To her, the humiliation and disgrace she is currently experiencing are unforgettable for a lifetime. She will remember everything and wait for the opportunity to retaliate a thousandfold.
She wants to see who will be laughing in the end and who the real winner will be.
"Jin..." Quickly suppressing her sour and angry emotions, Cheng Fangfang forced a smile. "No matter what, we are still family. You wouldn't be so heartless as to watch Qi Zheng's two cousins suffer without any good days, would you?"
Since she couldn't take a hard approach, Cheng Fangfang decided to use both soft and hard tactics.
After all, she was being forced into this. Who told her to keep being soft when Zhao Jin showed no signs of compromise?
"Second Aunt, that's a bit harsh," Zhao Jin said, glancing at Cheng Fangfang with indifference. She didn't say much and intended to end the conversation with Cheng Fangfang.
Cheng Fangfang felt frustrated and wanted to hit someone. Why was Zhao Jin so difficult to talk to? She had already lowered herself so much!
Moreover, after she had brought the conversation to this point, Zhao Jin still refused to engage? That was too much. It was clear that she didn't take her seriously! "Jin, don't worry about whether my words are harsh or not; just quickly arrange for Tingting and Juanjuan to come work with you. It's not a difficult request; it's something that can be resolved with just your word. Don't keep dodging Second Aunt's requests. You’ve been unwilling to help before; hasn't Second Aunt endured until now just to ask you? Think about it—Second Aunt understands your difficulties; you shouldn't just cut off her options! After all, you should give some face to your Second Uncle. He rarely asks anyone for help; this is the first time."
No matter how much she despised Zhao Jin's arrogance, Cheng Fangfang had already done the minimum she could do. Especially since she had invoked Qi Erzhu's name, putting on a face of enduring humiliation while pleading with Zhao Jin.
This was truly her bottom line. If Zhao Jin still refused to speak, she couldn't guarantee that she wouldn't explode in anger and confront Zhao Jin physically.
So, Zhao Jin better recognize the situation and not add fuel to the fire or make her even more irritable.
Zhao Jin found it genuinely amusing. Not because Cheng Fangfang had softened towards her, but because she found Cheng Fangfang's words questionable and worth pondering.
Not to mention that Cheng Fangfang's attitude was problematic from the start. On the surface, it seemed like she was trying to be friendly, but in reality, Zhao Jin could clearly see the underlying disgust and hatred in Cheng Fangfang's eyes.
As for Cheng Fangfang's intentions, Zhao Jin slightly curled her lips, fully prepared not to let Cheng Fangfang have her way. "Second Aunt, first of all, your opportunities are earned by yourself; there’s no share from me. I'm not some remarkable person with such great abilities or skills. Secondly, since Second Aunt has endured until now, it means that without my connections, your family could still live well and even thrive. Lastly, if Second Uncle really has any thoughts on this matter, he can discuss it with Grandma and my dad; I’m just one generation down—how can I interfere in matters between elders? Second Aunt is overestimating me."
Zhao Jin doesn't always engage in verbal sparring with Cheng Fangfang. However, if Zhao Jin really decides to take action, she rarely loses.
Like Cheng Fangfang's incoherent and baseless rant, Zhao Jin rebutted everything without hesitation.
Moreover, compared to Cheng Fangfang, Zhao Jin's momentum was even stronger. To some extent, he had a certain style reminiscent of Qi Zheng.
Undeniably, Cheng Fangfang was left speechless.
Even if she was reluctant to admit it, she had to acknowledge that Zhao Jin was sharp-tongued and incredibly formidable! Gritting her teeth and pausing for a moment, Cheng Fangfang couldn't help but show some signs of difficulty and embarrassment: "Jin, you know that Second Uncle and Second Sister-in-law are elders. Sometimes when they encounter difficulties, it's not easy for them to come to someone of your generation! But since Second Uncle and Second Aunt have come to you now, it must mean they truly have no other options. Jin, you’re not a foolish child; since you’re perceptive, don’t beat around the bush with Second Uncle and Second Aunt. Just do what you think is right. They’re not asking for much; they just hope that you can help them out for Qi Zheng’s sake..."
"No need." The sudden voice interrupted Cheng Fangfang's words. However, what made Cheng Fangfang even more helpless was that she was very angry but dared not refute it. The person who spoke up was Qi Zheng.
Under normal circumstances, Qi Zheng would not involve himself in these disputes and quarrels.
Although there were no explicit rules in their family, Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju had always taken the lead as the main forces. People like Qi Dayong and Qi Zheng were all men and not particularly skilled in rhetoric, so they had always stayed on the sidelines.
However, it could be observed that whenever Zhao Jin was involved, Qi Zheng would definitely step up. His current remarks and interventions were not one or two times; everyone was aware of this and was watching closely!
With Qi Zheng stepping in, Cheng Fangfang instantly felt as if her throat had been constricted, losing all her previous arrogance.
Especially since Qi Zheng's words were particularly direct, leaving Cheng Fangfang no room to maneuver: "I trust Second Uncle. Even without Jin's help, Second Uncle can carve out a path."
Qi Zheng would not directly target Cheng Fangfang. He was open-minded and particularly upright. His current statement was more directed at Qi Erzhu.
As for Cheng Fangfang, after all, she was a woman; Qi Zheng would still refrain from making things too difficult for her.
Of course, the premise for Qi Zheng not making things difficult for Cheng Fangfang was that she needed to be sufficiently tactful and not provoke Zhao Jin any further.
If possible, why would Cheng Fangfang want to offend Qi Zheng? But this time she truly had no choice; she couldn't influence Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju and thought about using her status as an elder to pressure Zhao Jin!
Unfortunately, she had just begun to take action, and before she could finish her words, Qi Zheng had struck back hard.
Being called out by name suddenly made Qi Erzhu extremely unwilling.
He indeed had similar thoughts and ideas as Cheng Fangfang, but he valued his face even more. Being singled out by Qi Zheng was certainly not a glorious matter. Qi Erzhu's face instantly turned red, and unable to glare at Qi Zheng, he could only direct his anger towards Cheng Fangfang, the instigator.
Cheng Fangfang felt very innocent. She came for the good of their family, not just for herself at the Qi Zheng Family. As for why Qi Zheng would challenge Qi Erzhu, that was purely Qi Zheng's personal action; what did it have to do with her?
It wasn't her who prompted Qi Zheng to confront Qi Erzhu. She didn't provoke Qi Zheng, which led to trouble for Qi Erzhu. If Qi Erzhu wanted to blame someone, he should blame Zhao Jin, the real troublemaker. Clearly, Zhao Jin was the one Qi Erzhu should be glaring at; what did it have to do with her?
However, no matter how Cheng Fangfang felt at that moment, Qi Erzhu could not and would not seriously feel or understand it.
For Qi Erzhu, if it weren't for Cheng Fangfang clinging to Zhao Jin so persistently, Qi Zheng would never have suddenly approached him. He was completely taking the blame for Cheng Fangfang; how unfortunate!
The most annoying part was that even though he felt angry inside, Qi Erzhu still had to put on a brave face and respond to Qi Zheng's call: "Well, that's for sure."
Qi Erzhu didn't want to answer in a righteous manner; their family had to rely on the Qi Zheng Family. But as a man, dignity and face were paramount. In the end, he couldn't hold on any longer and awkwardly rubbed his hands together.
"Of course. Second Uncle is a grown man; he has hands and feet—how could he starve himself?" Qi Erzhu's smile was forced, and his tone wasn't particularly strong.
But it was fine; his statement was enough.
Even if his declaration was reluctant, it was indeed made, wasn't it?
Cheng Fangfang wanted to curse. After all her groundwork, what did it mean when Qi Erzhu said that? She had done so much and was about to negotiate with Zhao Jin when Qi Erzhu's words ruined everything.
At that moment, Cheng Fangfang naturally couldn't expose Qi Erzhu's shortcomings or make him look bad. Forced by circumstances, she could only anxiously glance at Qi Erzhu, hoping he would steer the conversation back on track.
Qi Erzhu knew very well that he had misspoken. But even if he was wrong, so what? At this moment, there was no way he would change his words; he would rather die than do so. Even if it meant putting on a brave front, he had to hold his ground.
In this way, not only was Cheng Fangfang unhappy, but even Qi Tingting's expression changed as well.
She was still waiting to showcase her skills at Zhao Jin's workshop, but with her father causing such a scene, there was no hope left.
Stamping her foot, Qi Tingting really didn't want to continue standing here being pointed at. It was clear there would be no good outcome, so she might as well leave.
Thinking this way, Qi Tingting really did walk away.
Without saying goodbye to anyone, including Qi Erzhu and Cheng Fangfang, Qi Tingting turned around with a cold face and left in displeasure.
Undoubtedly, Qi Tingting was expressing her dissatisfaction to everyone, venting her emotions.
However, unfortunately for her, she was not Qi Yuehong. Zhao Jin and Grandma Qi had no intention of considering Qi Tingting's feelings and simply ignored her.
As for Qi Erzhu and Cheng Fangfang? They were currently too preoccupied to comfort Qi Tingting.
Fine, let her go! After all, Qi Juanjuan had already run off; losing another Qi Tingting wasn't a big deal.
With this thought in mind, Cheng Fangfang and Qi Erzhu didn't rush to chase after Qi Tingting. At this moment, they couldn't afford to consider her emotions.
Good or bad, they still had to deal with Qi Zheng's family. Until the final step, Cheng Fangfang still held onto some hope and thoughts.
However, the current situation was clearly unfavorable for Cheng Fangfang.
With Qi Erzhu dragging her down, no matter how anxious or ambitious she was, it was destined to end poorly.
Due to Qi Erzhu's extreme lack of cooperation, Cheng Fangfang ultimately failed and gained nothing.
Looking at how hopelessly unhelpful Qi Erzhu was, Cheng Fangfang felt dissatisfaction towards her for the first time in a harsh manner.
"Enough! Let's go home!" When these four words finally came out, they represented not only Cheng Fangfang's abandonment of today's actions but also her complete disappointment in Qi Erzhu.
Sometimes, it's not that one fears not working hard enough; it's the existence of one or two people around who hold them back that is truly concerning.
To this day, Cheng Fangfang had to admit that there was not just one person holding them back at home, but it was also someone who made her so furious that she felt like killing. It was driving her almost to the brink!
Hearing the frustration and anger in Cheng Fangfang's tone, Qi Erzhu knew that there was no escaping this argument once they got home.
Pouting, Qi Erzhu ultimately said nothing and silently followed Cheng Fangfang as they left.
Having been married to Cheng Fangfang for so many years, they actually didn't argue much. However, that didn't mean Qi Erzhu was afraid of Cheng Fangfang. If it came down to it, they could just argue; it wasn't a big deal. He wasn't afraid!
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