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Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
Qi Zheng also found it amusing. It was a rather hindsight explanation; this decision was solely his, and he hadn't discussed it with Zhao Jin beforehand. Before buying, he had only purchased one floor, two apartments. One for him and Zhao Jin to live in, and the other for Qi Ze and their family.
In other words, even Jin was kept in the dark by Qi Zheng?
The three elders of the Qi Family, who initially had no reaction, suddenly stared wide-eyed at Qi Zheng after hearing his words. "What’s going on? You didn’t even discuss this with Jin before making a decision? That money belongs to Jin; how can you spend it so recklessly? You even bought two more apartments for us old folks, and your uncle... you really are out of line!" Listen, when Zhao Jin came clean, everything was fine. But as soon as it was Qi Zheng, he immediately received Grandma Qi's scolding. "Qi Zheng, no matter how good you are at making money, you can't spend it like this. Jin works so hard making clothes and thinking about new designs; it's exhausting! You child, you're really too thoughtless. You're already a father of three; how can you still be so arbitrary? It's unacceptable!" Like Grandma Qi, Zhou Ju quickly joined in on scolding Qi Zheng. Every word was a reproach about Qi Zheng's reckless spending. Moreover, it was money that Zhao Jin had worked hard to earn.
Qi Dayong didn't say much. However, one couldn't ignore the disapproval in his eyes and his constant head-shaking directed at Qi Zheng.
Qi Dayong was angry at his son's lack of sense! The money that his eldest daughter-in-law worked so hard to earn was squandered by Qi Zheng all at once; shouldn’t he be scolded?
Qi Zheng felt very innocent and tragic.
He originally wanted to smooth things over for Zhao Jin. Thinking that this decision was made by him and that he had taken charge of selling the houses, he wanted to clarify things for Jin to prevent any misunderstandings among the three elders.
He genuinely intended to follow up with additional explanations to win more affection and love from the three elders for Jin.
As a result, he did help Zhao Jin but overlooked the fact that he would also be scolded.
In the hearts of Grandma Qi and the others, whatever Zhao Jin did was justified and understandable. But when it came to Qi Zheng, it was a different story.
Thus, Qi Zheng's follow-up explanation turned out to be unnecessary, purely adding trouble for himself—truly amusing.
Qi Ze and Sun Qiuer quickly learned that Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin had actually bought an apartment for their family of three in City.
Shaking their heads repeatedly, Qi Ze and Sun Qiuer waved their hands in refusal.
They already owed too much to their older brother and sister-in-law. Usually, it was their older brother and sister-in-law who took care of major family matters. They felt like they were living off others, so how could they still take their older brother and sister-in-law's house for free?
No way, absolutely not. "What do you mean no? I'm still waiting to move to City in the future and live off you! Our family of five has five mouths waiting for Qiu'er to feed us. Qiu'er is an extremely important presence. No matter where we go in the future, I will definitely bring Qiu'er along," Zhao Jin said earnestly, immediately making Qi Ze and Sun Qiuer speechless.
Exchanging glances, both Qi Ze and Sun Qiuer felt their faces flush with embarrassment, truly unsure how to express their gratitude to Zhao Jin for her understanding.
It was clear that Zhao Jin only wanted to help them find a reason to ease their minds.
However, faced with Zhao Jin's sincere goodwill, even though they knew it was just an excuse, Qi Ze and Sun Qiuer found themselves at a loss for words to refute her.
Whether it was their older brother or sister-in-law, they were both filled with gratitude.
In this family, their older brother and sister-in-law were the ones who usually made the decisions and had the final say. Meanwhile, they tended to obediently follow along and comply.
Now that Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng had made a decision, even though Qi Ze and Sun Qiuer felt extremely uncomfortable, they had no way to resist or refuse.
After all, their trust in Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin had reached an unparalleled height. "Get up; that house isn't just yours. Yuehong and Rui were supposed to live in your house before they got married. And Uncle's Family also needs a place; how can we not accommodate the two who are still studying?" Seeing that Qi Ze and Sun Qiuer were feeling all sorts of complicated emotions, Zhao Jin thought for a moment before continuing.
Zhao Jin's words were truly aimed at providing Qi Ze and Sun Qiuer with more reassuring reasons.
After all, the house was so big that even if Zhao Jin didn't speak up, Qi Yuehong and Qi Rui would have rooms to stay in. For instance, there was the set of rooms belonging to the three elders of the Qi Family.
In the end, whether they were willing or not, this matter was settled.
At this point, Qi Ze and Sun Qiuer felt quite complicated, having gained a large house in City.
Equally complicated were the Zhao Family, who received the news afterward.
"How can a daughter get married and still have her in-law family pay for her maternal family's parents and siblings to buy a house? No way, we can't accept this house," Xu Mei immediately led the rejection with a wave of her hand.
Zhao Guoqiang and the others shook their heads as well, sharing Xu Mei's attitude. Although they appreciated Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng's intentions, they truly could not accept these two houses.
Facing the refusal from Zhao Guoqiang and the others, Zhao Jin was not surprised at all and felt no pressure.
The houses had already been bought; was there really a fear of not being able to find suitable words to persuade her parents and siblings?
Moreover, Zhao Jin curled her lips and nudged Qi Zheng beside her.
She had the best tool at her disposal. With Qi Zheng around, there was no need for her to worry about anything.
As expected, with Zhao Jin's hint, Qi Zheng immediately nodded and stepped forward: "Mom and Dad don’t need to think too much. Just consider it as our filial piety; you just need to accept it without worry."
"That won't do either. You two earn money with great difficulty; how can we..." Xu Mei immediately waved her hand, her attitude on this matter very firm. "Can we just treat it as a way for my parents and grandmother to have company in the city?" Seeing Xu Mei's resolute stance, Qi Zheng simply changed tactics and continued, "And then there's Yaozong and Yaozu with their three children. The conditions in City are much better than those in Willow Leaf Village. Sending the kids to school in City is definitely a good thing."
Being able to send several children from their family to study in City was certainly something they would desire. However, this came at the cost of taking advantage of Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin. Regarding this point, Xu Mei still felt somewhat uneasy and couldn't help but want to shake her head. "And then there's my elder brother and sister-in-law, as well as my second brother and second sister-in-law; they can't stay in Willow Leaf Village forever. Having the opportunity to go out and see the world is certainly more promising than staying in the village farming." Qi Zheng's reasoning was sound one after another, effectively blocking any rejection that Xu Mei was about to voice.
"Alright, alright, it's settled then. While the furniture in the house hasn't been fully arranged yet, you all start packing up your things. See what you want to take to City and think it through in advance. We don't want it to be inconvenient when we move to City," Zhao Jin quickly seized the opportunity as she saw that Qi Zheng had already taken control of the situation. With everything settled, Zhao Jin let out a long sigh of relief while continuing to reassure Xu Mei and everyone else: "Besides, we're just moving to City; it doesn't mean we won't come back to Willow Leaf Village anymore. The house in the village will be kept, and so will the land. Whenever you want to come back for a visit, you can always return and stay for a while."
Zhao Jin had reached this point, and Xu Mei and the others truly had no other words to refuse.
After all, it was the goodwill of Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin, how could they bear to keep rejecting and hurting them?
Thus, under the earnest persuasion of Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin, the decision for Zhao Guoqiang's family to move to City was confirmed.
The news of the Qi Family and Zhao Family moving to City was not deliberately publicized. However, both families began packing their belongings, which still caught the attention of their neighbors.
Moreover, since they were moving, they had to inform the relatives who needed to be notified. Therefore, it didn't take long for everyone in Willow Leaf Village to learn about this significant event.
"Ah! They are actually moving to City! The Qi Family has truly made it big this time!"
"The Zhao Family is the one really enjoying life. Their daughter married well, and their son-in-law is filial; they can enjoy life along with them."
"Isn't it because the Zhao Family has good judgment? Back then, you all were reluctant to marry your daughter to Qi Zheng. Look now, who’s at a disadvantage?"
"What disadvantage? We didn’t think much of Qi Zheng back then; we were looking at Qi Ze. But Qi Ze didn’t fancy our daughter, what could we do?"
"Everyone has their own fate. When Sun Qiuer was rejected in her engagement, many people laughed behind her back. But now? Isn’t she living better than anyone else?"
"Indeed. Fortune changes hands; thirty years in the east and thirty years in the west. Those who once laughed at the Qi Family, now it seems they have been slapped in the face."
"Alright, alright, you only know how to criticize others. Don’t you really have any jokes about yourself? Now that things have passed, you act like you’re above it all."
"Who’s acting above it all? I’ve never laughed at the Qi Family, okay? My family doesn’t have any eligible daughters; why would I laugh at them?"
"This is quite funny. Just because your family doesn’t have a daughter means you’ve never laughed at the Qi Family? Who would believe that?"
"You don't believe it, so what? Am I supposed to force you to believe? You're not anyone to me, cut it out!"
...
As the news of the Qi Family and Zhao Family preparing to move away from Willow Leaf Village gradually spread, discussions among the Fellow Villagers rose and fell. Some even got into heated arguments over it, making quite a scene.
As for those who were envious or jealous, neither the Qi nor Zhao families paid them any mind; they were simply ignored.
Of course, the unrelated Fellow Villagers could be easily dismissed, but the envious relatives were not so easily dealt with.
For instance, Grandma Zhao and Zhao Fourth Uncle's family had completely changed their demeanor.
They knew that Qi Zheng was making money now. However, Qi Zheng was actually moving to the City and taking Zhao Guoqiang's family along?
This fact did not sit well with Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao.
After all, they were Zhao Jin's grandparents and Zhao Guoqiang's parents. How could Zhao Guoqiang move to the City for a better life without considering them at all? Not even a thought for them?
Filled with displeasure, Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao stormed over to Zhao Guoqiang's house.
At that moment, Zhao Guoqiang's family was busy packing. Some items that were inconvenient to take were temporarily left behind. They aimed to take as much as possible to avoid spending money on new purchases in the City, which would not be cost-effective.
Additionally, they brought along duplicates of items they already had at home.
After all, it wasn't just their family moving to the City; Qi Zheng's family was also going. It would be practical to share some items with the Qijia Family later on.
As soon as Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao barged in, they were met with this scene—how could they be happy? They were nearly furious enough to spit out their hearts and lungs.
They are all a bunch of unworthy descendants! Not a single good one among them!
“Zhao Guoqiang, come out!” After scanning the yard for a while and not finding Zhao Guoqiang, Grandma Zhao shouted loudly.
“Why is she here again?” Seeing Grandma Zhao arrive, Qian Minmin couldn't help but mutter this.
Xu Mei was also not very welcoming of Grandma Zhao's arrival. However, since Grandma Zhao was indeed there, she had no choice but to respond seriously.
“Mother, why have you and Father come here?” It had been quite some time since they last interacted, and suddenly seeing Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao show up made Xu Mei feel extremely uneasy.
It was obvious that Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao were not here with good intentions. Most likely, they were here to discuss their move to City and wanted to take advantage of the situation.
Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao were indeed not here for a friendly visit. When Xu Mei asked, Grandma Zhao naturally did not hold back: “I heard you are moving to City? With so many people going to City, will there be enough space?”
“Yes, there will be enough space.” Xu Mei casually nodded, providing a very simple answer. Naturally, she did not elaborate on how Qi Zheng had allocated two four-bedroom apartments for them. Even if they all moved in together, it would still be more than sufficient.
“Alright then, since there's enough space, bring Zhao Lei along too.” Grandma Zhao still had some ideas in mind and first mentioned Zhao Lei, intending to test the waters regarding the Zhao Guoqiang family’s stance.
“It's not convenient.” Xu Mei shook her head and directly rejected Grandma Zhao's suggestion. “The house isn’t ours. Qi Zheng is willing to let us live in City, which is already a great favor. As for the other members of the Zhao Family, since Qi Zheng isn’t bringing them along, we can’t make that decision for him.”
“Why can't you make that decision? You are Zhao Jin's biological mother and Qi Zheng's mother-in-law. You can't handle such a small matter?” Upon hearing Xu Mei’s refusal, Grandma Zhao immediately changed her expression, her tone becoming particularly fierce. “Xu Mei, stop pretending. Don’t think just because your family’s Zhao Jin married well that you can act superior. Have you forgotten how this marriage came about? Don’t you feel guilty towards our family?”
“Mother, stop it.” While Grandma Zhao was unreasonably bringing up old grievances, Xu Mei didn’t want to continue this pointless argument with her. “We both know very well what happened in the past. There’s no need for you to keep repeating it; I don’t want to argue with you about this anymore. It’s unnecessary.”
“Do you think I enjoy coming to find you over such trivial matters? If it weren’t for your family going too far, do you really think I want to see your ungrateful faces?” Grandma Zhao was always unreasonable. Without much preamble, she stated her purpose directly: “Why didn’t you tell me and Guoqiang’s father about your move to City? Do you even consider us elders?”
“I…” Facing the accusations from Grandma Zhao, Xu Mei intended to explain. However, before she could finish her sentence, Grandma Zhao interrupted her: “Enough with the nonsense. Guoqiang’s father and I will also move to City. You need to figure out how to arrange a room for Zhao Lei. We won’t force anyone; his parents won’t go to City. Also, Ying'er and her mother will stay in the village.”
Grandma Zhao spoke with a tone that suggested "you all are taking advantage of us," leaving Xu Mei utterly speechless.
In contrast, Qian Minmin was quite fierce: "Grandma, are you mistaken about something? Qi Zheng has vacated his house for our family to live in. With so many of us, including three children, where would we find extra rooms for you? There simply isn't enough space."
"How can there not be enough space? If there isn't, why don't you all go to City? Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei are at least Zhao Jin's parents; moving to City is one thing. But what about you brothers and your wives moving to City? Don't you feel embarrassed? You're young and instead of earning money with your own hands, you're thinking of relying on others. How pathetic!" This was indeed the core of Grandma Zhao's intent.
It's obvious that housing in City is so expensive that there wouldn't be any spare rooms. So what should they do if they wanted to move to City? Naturally, they should let Zhao Zhenqi and his brother stay in the village and not join the fun!
This way, the four members of Zhao Zhenqi's family and the three members of Zhao Zhenan's family could surely free up two rooms for the elderly couple and Zhao Lei, right?
Grandma Zhao couldn't believe that with seven people in total from both families, they couldn't spare room for three more.
She didn't feel embarrassed at all and straightforwardly expressed her true thoughts.
Meanwhile, Qian Minmin and the others merely curled their lips in disdain, remaining silent.
Yes, if both families didn't go to City, they could indeed free up two rooms for Grandfather Zhao, Grandma Zhao, and Zhao Lei to live in.
But why should they?
This was a kindness from Jin and Qi Zheng towards their family; what did it have to do with Grandfather Zhao and the others?
They certainly wouldn't tell Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao that even if they took them all to City, everyone would still fit comfortably.
The more it came to this, the more they needed to stand firm and distance themselves from Grandfather Zhao's family, resolutely refusing to get entangled with them.
They knew very well how parasitic Grandfather Zhao and his family could be. If they really gave them an opportunity to latch onto Jin and Qi Zheng, wouldn't that bring endless trouble for Jin and Qi Zheng?
Zhao Guoqiang had no good feelings towards Grandfather Zhao and the others, and he truly could not agree to their demands.
When Zhao Guoqiang came out, he happened to hear Grandma Zhao's scolding and accusations.
If it were about something else, Zhao Guoqiang, aiming to avoid conflict with Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao, might have actually let them have their way.
However, this incident was different.
If he allowed Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao to move to City, it would be equivalent to sending two pieces of gold directly to Qi Zheng.
Zhao Guoqiang knew very well what kind of people Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao were. How could he possibly let them harm Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng?
Thus, the thought that Zhao Guoqiang originally had about not strongly insisting on moving to City changed after the commotion caused by Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao; he was now unwilling to back down even a step.
“Dad, Mom, this matter has been decided by Qi Zheng; it cannot be changed.” Zhao Guoqiang's words were not particularly sharp, but his tone was firm enough that Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao could not casually alter or change it.
Of course, Grandma Zhao would definitely not give up easily. She had waited so long for such an opportunity to move to City; how could she possibly let it go?
Such a good thing might not come around again for decades.
With this opportunity at hand, Grandma Zhao was naturally fixated on it and would not miss anything.
“No! You go talk to Qi Zheng; do not let Zhao Zhenqi and Zhao Zhenan go to City. Your father and I will go live in City with Lei.” Grandma Zhao's thick skin was no longer just a minor issue. At this moment, even under everyone's gaze, she spoke her mind without hesitation.
“Impossible.” The response to Grandma Zhao did not come from Zhao Guoqiang but from the voice of Zhao Jin outside.
Since they were going to City, a vehicle had come to transport clothes and furniture. Zhao Jin had directly come with Qi Zheng and stopped by Zhao Guoqiang's house along the way, intending to take some of the already packed items to City first.
The two families moved to City together, and there was certainly a lot to transport. It was necessary to make multiple trips, which was also a very reliable method. Even if Zhao Jin didn't remind him, Qi Zheng would have done the same.
Thus, the two of them followed the vehicle and arrived at Zhao Guoqiang's house.
However, they did not expect that before they even entered the front door of Zhao Guoqiang's house, they heard Grandma Zhao shouting from inside.
Zhao Jin was completely speechless at Grandma Zhao's audacity.
Listening to Grandma Zhao shamelessly saying that her older brother Second Brother should not go to City, but instead take Grandma Zhao and Zhao Lei with him, Zhao Jin became even more disdainful.
The house was bought by her, and it was in her name. She could let whoever she wanted live there; what did it have to do with Grandma Zhao and the others? Even the Qi Family had not questioned this matter, yet Grandma Zhao and the others had enough nerve; they should take a look in the mirror!
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