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Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
Zhao Lei was not someone who played mind games. In his family, he could be considered quite simple-minded. At this moment, having confirmed that Qi Yuehong's words were not forced in any way, Zhao Lei directly asked her.
"Mm." Qi Yuehong was not polite and simply gave her honest answer.
First of all, she was still young and had to continue her high school studies, so she truly had no intention of looking for a partner. Secondly, even if she really wanted to get married, she would definitely not marry someone like Zhao Lei. She did not like Zhao Lei, and that was her most genuine feeling.
"Impossible!" Zhao Lei had never considered the possibility that Qi Yuehong might not like him. Or perhaps he simply did not dare to think in that direction.
All this time, although his marriage with Qi Yuehong had never been successfully settled, Zhao Lei firmly believed that it was all the fault of Qi Zheng's Family, and not Qi Yuehong's own will.
Zhao Lei unceremoniously pushed all the responsibility onto Qi Yuehong's family. This was just to leave himself with more confidence and possibilities.
But at this very moment, Qi Yuehong shattered all his expectations with her own words. For a moment, Zhao Lei found himself unable to utter a single word. Faced with the anger that was about to erupt from Zhao Lei, Qi Yuehong did not dodge or evade. She just looked seriously at Zhao Lei and reiterated, "I don't know why you insist on marrying me. But I have no feelings for you whatsoever and have never thought about marrying you. My family has already clearly expressed my stance many times. But it seems your family has never been willing to give up. Now, in front of you, I will make it clear. Please also tell your family not to come to our house anymore."
Qi Yuehong did not like Grandma Zhao and others. Naturally, she did not want to have any connection with them. Now that Zhao Lei was helping to convey her message, it would surely carry some weight and have a significant effect.
Qi Yuehong still believed in Zhao Lei's position within the Zhao Family.
"This isn't true!" However, Zhao Lei was clearly hit hard by this and could not accept it for a moment, nor was he willing to face Qi Yuehong's rejection calmly.
How could it be? Qi Yuehong really didn't like him? That couldn't be true.
Qi Yuehong must be unable to marry him because of her family's objections! Quickly finding the most suitable excuse and reason for Qi Yuehong's actions, a bit of color finally returned to Zhao Lei's face as he began reasoning with her: "Is it because your elders do not approve of this marriage that you're saying this to me? I know our families have had some unpleasantness before, but that's between the adults; it has nothing to do with you and me. We absolutely do not need to be influenced by them; we shouldn't let them control our lifelong matters."
"Without us." Qi Yuehong interrupted Zhao Lei's monologue, shaking her head with a serious tone. "It's just you alone. I have no intention of marrying you, nor will I ever marry you."
"Why?" Looking at Qi Yuehong in disbelief, Zhao Lei was clearly devastated. "Is it because you want to continue studying? Then go ahead! Even if you marry me, I won't stop you."
"Zhao Lei, stop bothering me. You know very well that these things of yours are completely unrealistic." Although she wasn't from the Zhao family, Qi Yuehong had never held high hopes for the character of Grandma Zhao and others. "First of all, I don't like you at all. Even if what you said were true, do you really think your family would be willing to support me through high school and college?"
"What? You still want to go to college? You..." Zhao Lei didn't mean to change his tone; it was just his true feelings.
He had always thought that Qi Yuehong would only go as far as high school. He never expected her to want to attend college.
What a joke! A maternal family member studying so much?
Deep down, even Zhao Lei couldn't deny that he barely matched up to a high school student, let alone a proper college student.
In the end, Zhao Lei wasn't overly confident and didn't consider himself invincible. As he realized that the distance between him and Qi Yuehong was about to grow larger, he couldn't help but be stunned.
"Of course I want to go to college." When it came to studying, even the usually quiet Qi Yuehong couldn't help but show a proud expression. "My sister-in-law will support me until I finish college and start working."
At this moment, Qi Yuehong's mention of "starting work" was naturally different from what Zhao Lei understood and was something he couldn't aspire to.
It was like how Zhao Guoqing managed to marry He Yun, the daughter of the school principal, entirely because Zhao Guoqing was educated and truly talented—a genuine intellectual.
If it were Zhao Guoqiang or Zhao Guofu, it was obvious that it would have been absolutely impossible.
Born into the Zhao family, Zhao Lei understood better than anyone the difference between his father and Uncle compared to Third Uncle Zhao Guoqing.
It was like how he could only play with his cousin Zhao Jin while rarely having the chance to interact with Third Uncle's two cousins.
Some things are destined from the very beginning. No matter how much he jokes or pleads, he cannot change that.
After confirming that Qi Yuehong would be going to college, Zhao Lei instantly felt deflated.
Even if he had a hundred times more courage, he couldn't imagine a scenario where he could marry a female college student.
In other words, was there really no hope left between him and Qi Yuehong?
Zhao Lei's expression was quite obvious, and Qi Yuehong didn't say much more, preparing to end the conversation.
It was a coincidence that it was lunchtime; today Qi Yuehong did not go to the Furniture Store for lunch. Qi Feng sent Qi Rui to watch over the Furniture Store while he came to the Clothing Store to find Qi Yuehong.
The Furniture Store and Clothing Store were quite far apart, only about a hundred meters. However, since the Clothing Store was at a corner, and Qi Yuehong and Zhao Lei were standing on the other side of the corner, Qi Feng only noticed the two children together when he got closer.
"Yuehong." Qi Feng's voice was not loud but carried a commanding presence.
Qi Yuehong turned around upon seeing Qi Feng approaching and quickly ran over: "Uncle."
"Let's go, it's time for lunch." Without asking why Qi Yuehong was with Zhao Lei, Qi Feng instructed directly.
"Okay." Nodding her head, Qi Yuehong had no other thoughts and immediately followed Qi Feng away.
Thus, only Zhao Lei was left standing alone in place.
Zhao Lei wanted to call out to Qi Yuehong. However, when he opened his mouth, he didn't know how to voice it.
He clearly understood that if he let Qi Yuehong walk away like this, the hope between him and Qi Yuehong would only become even more distant.
But what could he do? Even if he called out to Qi Yuehong, it wouldn't change the fact that Qi Yuehong didn't like him.
Compared to Qi Yuehong not liking him, Zhao Lei was more concerned about the fact that Qi Yuehong actually wanted to go to college.
Qi Yuehong didn't like him? That's fine! It was because he used to bully Qi Yuehong all the time! How could Qi Yuehong possibly like him? Once he treated Qi Yuehong well in the future, Qi Yuehong would eventually come to like him.
However, there was nothing Zhao Lei could do about the college situation; it was something he couldn't change.
Was he supposed to burn incense and pray, hoping that Qi Yuehong wouldn't get into college?
Dream on! With how much Qi Yuehong loved studying and consistently ranked first in class, Zhao Lei knew that his wish was far too unrealistic.
"Zhao Lei, are you okay?" While Zhao Lei was watching Qi Yuehong's back, Qi Juanjuan, who had been hiding nearby for a long time, finally couldn't hold back and spoke up.
She had just learned that Qi Yuehong wanted to go to college. As soon as she confirmed this, she felt delighted.
Knowing that Qi Yuehong could no longer be an obstacle between her and Zhao Lei, Qi Juanjuan immediately ran to tell Zhao Lei.
She shared the news of Qi Yuehong being in City with Zhao Lei, hoping that Qi Yuehong would directly reject Zhao Lei.
Once Zhao Lei was severely discouraged by Qi Yuehong and no longer held any expectations for her, he would surely notice her.
By then, what would happen to Qi Yuehong?
This was Qi Juanjuan's plan and scheme, which was why she deliberately informed Zhao Lei of Qi Yuehong's whereabouts.
Zhao Lei was unaware of Qi Juanjuan's scheme. However, this did not affect his dislike for her.
Even if Qi Yuehong doesn't like him, he wouldn't accept Qi Juanjuan.
With this thought in mind, Zhao Lei found it very difficult to develop any fondness for Qi Juanjuan.
Especially at this moment, when Qi Juanjuan had witnessed his embarrassment and humiliation, Zhao Lei's expression towards her became even more unpleasant.
"You were following me!" Zhao Lei glared at Qi Juanjuan fiercely, not asking but directly questioning her with a very certain tone.
He had come to City to find Qi Yuehong, and it was originally Qi Juanjuan who had tipped him off. Now that Qi Juanjuan just happened to appear here, Zhao Lei would never believe that she wasn't following him.
As for the idea that this was a coincidence, that Qi Juanjuan was merely passing by, Zhao Lei was even less inclined to believe that.
Everyone knew that even though Qi Juanjuan and Qi Yuehong were cousins, their relationship was not good, and the two families did not interact frequently. How could Qi Juanjuan possibly come to City to find Qi Yuehong?
Moreover, this Clothing Store was owned by Zhao Jin, which had nothing to do with Qi Juanjuan at all.
Zhao Lei wasn't foolish enough to be easily deceived. Therefore, faced with Qi Juanjuan's timely appearance, even though she wore a concerned expression, Zhao Lei was still furious.
Qi Juanjuan found herself at a loss for words. She anxiously wanted to explain herself to Zhao Lei but was rendered speechless by his cold glare.
It was only at this moment that Qi Juanjuan realized her behavior had been too hasty.
She should have waited until Zhao Lei left here and returned to Willow Leaf Village before trying to get closer to him.
After all, Qi Yuehong had already outright rejected Zhao Lei in front of her; it wouldn't be difficult for her to pursue him later on if she wanted to marry him.
But unfortunately, she chose the worst possible timing and inadvertently exposed her own motives.
At this moment, facing Zhao Lei's accusations, Qi Juanjuan naturally did not speak up. For a time, the atmosphere between the two was very severe and tense.
Zhao Lei did not really want to hear Qi Juanjuan's explanation. In his eyes, he had already convicted her, leaving no room for her to find reasons or excuses.
In the end, Zhao Lei forcefully pushed Qi Juanjuan away, leaving behind the words "Don't follow me again," and strode off.
Qi Juanjuan did not expect that Zhao Lei would actually lay hands on her. Caught completely off guard, she was directly pushed to the ground by him.
Filled with shock, Qi Juanjuan sat down on the ground, her hands burning with pain. However, when she looked up, all she could see was Zhao Lei's indifferent figure walking away without a glance back.
At that moment, Qi Juanjuan felt deeply hurt, sad, and heartbroken.
Zhao Lei just left her like that? Did he not see her fall to the ground? Did he really like Qi Yuehong so much that he couldn't bear to look at her even once?
Unconsciously, tears began to well up in Qi Juanjuan's eyes.
It was useless; it was completely useless. She had finally come up with a plan after persuading her mother and sister, but in the end, she gained nothing. After all this trouble, all she received was immense hurt.
Her mother and sister were of no help at all! They were just deceiving her!
Wiping away her tears fiercely, Qi Juanjuan struggled to get up from the ground. She walked in the direction Zhao Lei had left.
This time, however, she was not going to chase after Zhao Lei but instead was heading home to confront Cheng Fangfang and Qi Tingting.
Ever since the last time there was a fallout with Cheng Fangfang and Qi Tingting, Qi Juanjuan was no longer the easygoing girl she used to be.
At home, Qi Juanjuan also began to become strong and formidable. As a result, Cheng Fangfang no longer dared to treat Qi Juanjuan and Qi Tingting with the same attitude as before. Even treating them equally became quite delicate.
In contrast, Cheng Fangfang is now more cautious and eager to please Qi Juanjuan.
It's not that Cheng Fangfang suddenly likes Qi Juanjuan more. It's just a confirmation of the saying "the crying child gets the candy." Qi Juanjuan is now that crying child, who immediately complains that Cheng Fangfang is biased whenever things don't go her way.
Cheng Fangfang used to be biased and has always had that kind of demeanor. But when Qi Juanjuan calls her out directly, Cheng Fangfang naturally feels guilty and hurriedly tries to defend herself.
In trying to defend herself, Qi Juanjuan becomes the "big boss" of their family. This forces Cheng Fangfang to repeatedly take concrete actions to prove to Qi Juanjuan that she, as a mother, is not biased and that everything is just Qi Juanjuan overthinking.
Of course, Qi Juanjuan does not believe she is overthinking. The better Cheng Fangfang behaves now, the more it starkly contrasts with her past actions. It allows Qi Juanjuan to clearly see the differential treatment Cheng Fangfang has given her compared to Qi Tingting over the years.
It turns out she has always been the pitiful one in the family! It turns out she was so undervalued in the past!
With these realizations, Qi Juanjuan's thoughts become clearer, and her resentment towards Cheng Fangfang and Qi Tingting deepens.
Indeed, Qi Juanjuan has come to resent both Cheng Fangfang and Qi Tingting.
She remembers how in the past, whenever she was scolded by Cheng Fangfang, Qi Tingting would at least help her a little. But recently, Qi Tingting either completely ignores her grievances or suddenly stirs up trouble!
In the past, she was too naive and never thought in that direction. She simply believed that Qi Tingting, being her biological sister, could not possibly have harmful intentions toward her. But now, Qi Juanjuan will no longer think that way.
It was because they were her family that she trusted them so much. Yet they have repeatedly squandered her trust and bullied her time and again; it's simply too much.
Even honest people can become fierce when pushed too far. While Qi Juanjuan cannot be considered an honest person, she has become quite a headache for Cheng Fangfang and Qi Tingting.
Originally, they thought of Qi Juanjuan as someone easy to deceive and manipulate. A few casual words could easily placate her.
But now, Qi Juanjuan seems to have been possessed; suddenly, she has become much harder to fool.
Especially when it comes to Zhao Lei, Qi Juanjuan's radar immediately becomes exceptionally developed. No matter how they coax or persuade her, it doesn't work.
That's why Cheng Fangfang and Qi Tingting teamed up to come up with this idea for Qi Juanjuan.
In the minds of Cheng Fangfang and Qi Tingting, even if this tactic doesn't guarantee success, it will definitely cut off Zhao Lei's thoughts and intentions towards Qi Yuehong. This way, Qi Juanjuan's chances of winning will be greater.
At other times, it doesn't matter, but this time, Cheng Fangfang and Qi Tingting genuinely wanted what was best for Qi Juanjuan. They considered Qi Juanjuan's feelings and future from her perspective.
Who would have thought that despite their meticulous planning, something still went wrong on Qi Juanjuan's side?
Seeing Qi Juanjuan rush in with red eyes, Cheng Fangfang couldn't help but let out a long sigh in her heart.
How did she end up raising such an incompetent daughter? Look at Tingting; she can handle everything on her own without needing any help. How wonderful is that?
But Qi Juanjuan, despite them teaching her step by step how to compete with Qi Yuehong for a man, still ended up losing! Who can she blame? She can only blame Qi Juanjuan for being too foolish and lacking the skill and capability.
To be honest, Cheng Fangfang also admired Qi Yuehong.
In her opinion, Qi Yuehong seemed so quiet and honest on the surface, yet unexpectedly, she was so skilled in competing for men. It completely exceeded their expectations and shattered their assumptions.
She really didn't realize that Qi Yuehong could charm men without making a sound. If she had known this earlier, Cheng Fangfang would have encouraged Qi Juanjuan to spend more time with Qi Yuehong. At least she could learn some real skills from her, right?
If that were the case, she wouldn't be so exhausted now. Truly mentally and physically drained; tired everywhere.
Sigh! Shaking her head, Cheng Fangfang reluctantly had to face Qi Juanjuan's current grievances and anger honestly.
Otherwise, if she's not careful, she'll become the biased mother who disregards her daughter's well-being...
Cheng Fangfang never expected that one day she would not be controlled by Qi Tingting, but instead be trapped by Qi Juanjuan.
Before this, Cheng Fangfang didn't think much of her daughter Qi Juanjuan.
There was no way around it; Qi Juanjuan was simply too foolish, lacking any of the cleverness and wit that Qi Tingting possessed!
However, Cheng Fangfang no longer dared to view Qi Juanjuan in that way.
After all, she was the one who gave birth to her. Even if Qi Juanjuan was indeed not very bright in the past, the current Qi Juanjuan was no longer the same and could not be compared to before.
Qi Juanjuan did not expect that Qi Tingting would not be home.
“Is Qi Tingting out messing around in the county again?” After developing a rift with Qi Tingting, Qi Juanjuan didn't even want to call her “sister” anymore. She directly addressed her by name, her attitude undeniably arrogant.
“What messing around? What are you talking about, child? Your sister is just going out normally to socialize with friends; it's all good.” Undeniably, Cheng Fangfang still had a higher opinion of Qi Tingting.
Upon hearing that Qi Juanjuan came back and immediately splashed dirt on Qi Tingting, Cheng Fangfang quickly began to defend her. At the same time, she added, “Juanjuan, if you have time, you should go out and have fun with your sister more often. Getting to know more people in the city is not a bad thing for you.”
“Oh! Do you really think Qi Tingting is just socializing normally out there?” Even though Cheng Fangfang tried hard to suppress it, her favoritism towards Qi Tingting still showed through, and how could Qi Juanjuan not notice?
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