Upon hearing that, Shi Qing rolled her eyes continuously. “He is so foolish. What kind of person is Qiao Zijin? Don’t tell me that he still can’t tell clearly now? Brother Zhai was the one who prepared the dowry for you. However, on your wedding day, when people see the generous spread of dowry, will the Zhai family publicize that they were the ones who provided them? That they are putting up an appearance for you since the Qiao family can’t afford any dowry?”

  Shi Qing really took her hat off to Qiao Dongliang. “In the past, you said I don’t know how to manage interpersonal matters. You taught and chided me. Compared to Uncle Qiao, I can become a veteran master.”

  Qiao Nan covered herself tightly with her blanket and laughed. “If we swap Qiao Zijin with someone else, my dad will definitely come to his senses immediately.”

  Those items were prepared by Brother Zhai to keep up an appearance for her father and her. Of course, this situation must not be let known to outsiders.

  Furthermore, sometimes, the truth did not matter. Most importantly, it was what some people wished to see.

  The dowry that Brother Zhai prepared for her was so generous. The day that Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun, they would be in for a good show if her father could not cough up all these items.

  Regarding this situation, Qiao Nan did not wish to remind Qiao Dongliang anymore. This was because she knew that Qiao Dongliang would not believe her. He might even turn around and reprimand her for thinking of Qiao Zijin in that way.

  Qiao Nan really felt despaired about Qiao Dongliang, her father.

  Life was an outcome of one’s own doings. Did she have to keep her father company by the side and help him keep a watch forever?

  It was not feasible.

  Upon figuring this out, just as how she felt about Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan also lost all her hopes on Qiao Dongliang.

  It was Qiao Nan’s school holidays but she did not stay at home. Qiao Dongliang was already used to this situation. He had been through it for the past half a year.

  \r \r \r

  When he recalled that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin stayed in Qiao Nan’s room last night, he vaguely felt that something was not right. He seemed to have gone overboard in allowing that.

  Sigh. Old Ding and Zijin also deserved it. They just had to provoke Nan Nan.

  Most of the time, Nan Nan was not a petty person. One just had to look at how Nan Nan treated Shi Qing.

  Nan Nan treated Shi Qing much better than she did Zijin. This meant that the way Zijin treated Nan Nan was not any better than how an outsider did.

  Lying on the bed in the dark and dim room, Qiao Dongliang also began to do some self-reflection.

  He wanted to help but his elder daughter would not cooperate. She had to continuously provoke his younger daughter. Even if he had the will, he lacked enthusiasm and power.

  Well, if his elder daughter could behave well next time, he would help her put in some good words to the younger daughter then.

  Of course, if something similar to what happened during the day occurred again, no matter how pleasant the elder daughter’s words, he would not be able to intervene in the matters between his two daughters.

  Recently, Chen Jun would enquire about Qiao Zijin’s situation every day. Without exception, he called Qiao Zijin today. “Did your mom and you stay in your father’s house yesterday on the day before the eve of Lunar New Year?”

  “We did!”

  Chen Jun’s tone improved tremendously. “Very good. It seems that your relationship with your father is improving. How about your relationship with Qiao Nan? Did your father help you?”

  “.……” Now, the person that Qiao Zijin did not wish to mention most was Qiao Nan. She still owed Qiao Nan money for a set of clothing. “My dad certainly did help.”

  Chen Jun was not so easily taken in. “Your dad has helped, but did you shoot yourself in the foot?”

  Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were on bad terms and it was all because of Qiao Zijin’s doings. Chen Jun was well aware.

  As such, Qiao Dongliang’s help was secondary to whether Qiao Zijin could reconcile with Qiao Nan. The primary factor was Qiao Zijin’s own attitude.

  “I……”

  “Speak. What stupid thing did you do again?” The moment Qiao Zijin hesitated, Chen Jun could tell that there was a problem.

  “I didn’t do it on purpose. When I went there yesterday, I borrowed Qiao Nan’s clothes to wear because I didn’t bring any. Thereafter, I accidentally spoiled them. Qiao Nan is so petty. She shrewishly insisted that I pay her back.” Qiao Zijin was both angry and anxious. “Isn’t it just a set of used clothing? I am her biological sister. She still has the shame to request compensation from me. She doesn’t take into account our kinship at all.”

  Chen Jun could not help twisting the corners of his lips. “Did you really spoil the clothes accidentally? Qiao Zijin, did you forget my words?” He was still troubled that he did not have a chance to give Qiao Nan anything. If Qiao Nan was willing to, he was willing to give her anything.

  He did not even have the chance to send a gift and Qiao Zijin had the guts to spoil Qiao Nan’s clothes. Every word of hers revealed the same intention—not compensating, moronic……

  “Forget it. Perhaps this is also an opportunity for us.” A bright idea flashed in Chen Jun’s mind. He thought of a solution. “Qiao Nan wants you to compensate, right? You don’t need to fork out this sum of money. I will. However, if you fail again, you have to watch it in the future.”

  No matter how formidable his means were, he could not afford to have a noob ally by his side.

  Chen Jun often doubted whether his encounter with Qiao Zijin was an opportunity or a disaster.

  Qiao Nan was so smart. She had such a wide interpersonal network. As her elder sister, Qiao Zijin was like a piece of shit. No matter how he taught her, she could not understand.

  “Okay.” When Chen Jun spoke, Qiao Zijin could only agree.

  When the two hung up the phone, Ding Jiayi leaned over with a bright and cheery face. “What did my son-in-law say to you?” Certainly, Chen Jun’s family background could not be compared to that of Zhai Sheng. However, they might only find a few in the entire country who could be compared to Zhai Sheng.

  Regardless of how proud Ding Jiayi was, she still had this little sense of self-awareness.

  She could not yearn for Qiao Zijin to find a man like Zhai Sheng. Nevertheless, if she could find someone like Chen Jun, whose family members were government officials, it was not bad too.

  As expected, Ding Jiayi was quite satisfied with Chen Jun, this son-in-law. After all, he was much better than the people in the quad.

  “He asked me to compensate Qiao Nan. He will fork out this sum of money.” Qiao Zijin’s feet had been stomping on the ground. She was very reluctant to compensate. “She is going to be married to Zhai Sheng soon. She will get whatever she wants in the future, yet she is still so petty. She can’t even bear to part with a set of used clothing and insisted that I return them. When she found out that I spoiled it, she even picked a fight with me and insisted that I compensate her.”

  Ding Jiayi’s stiffened her brows. “This wretched girl has no conscience. It’s not the first day that we know this. Fine. Now, we know. No matter how well this wretched girl marries, we won’t be able to bask in any of her glory. However, we can’t let her take advantage of us. Since she wants us to compensate, we will do so. My son-in-law doesn’t lack this little sum of money. However, we can’t let her ask for the sky regarding the price of that set of clothing. You have to think about it more. Don’t let her take any excess money from us.”

  Ding Jiayi was worried that Qiao Nan would inform them of a false price for the clothes. In her opinion, even the price of new clothes could be bargained.

  1062 If He Doesn’t Want, I Do

  This set of clothing belonging to Qiao Nan had been worn before. Of course, they could not compensate her according to the original price. Whoever did that would be a fool.

  “We’ll talk about it again.” Qiao Zijin did not agree immediately. She knew in her heart that she was not the one who would call the final shots on this matter. It would depend on Chen Jun’s attitude.

  If she were to really bargain with Qiao Nan as per her mother’s suggestion, Chen Jun would definitely be unhappy if he knew about it.

  Qiao Zijin was aware that Chen Jun wanted to curry favor with Qiao Nan and acknowledge her as his sister-in-law. She had already made a concession and decided to listen to Chen Jun. No matter what, she would stick to Qiao Nan so that others knew that they were, in fact, quite deeply bonded to each other.

  Qiao Zijin was not even able to control her own behavior according to her wishes. Why would she have the right to control Chen Jun?

  “You have to remember Mom’s words. Don’t let that wretched girl take advantage of you. You have to know. For some people, the richer they are, the stingier they become.” Ding Jiayi reminded again as she did not feel at ease.

  “I know.” Qiao Zijin brushed her off with a few words before returning to her bedroom.

  In the small courtyard of the Qiao family, the conversation between the mother-daughter pair had ended. However, the conversation between two men in the same quad had just begun. “Zhai Sheng is not back yet?” Zhu Chengqi was sizing up the living environment of the Zhai family’s residence with picky eyes.

  Zhai Yaohui said nonchalantly, “Most likely, he can only come back on the night of the 30th.”

  “He went to the capital to collect the marriage certificate?” Zhu Chengqi pinched his fingers and counted the time.

  “Yes, coincidentally, everything is happening at the same time. I have to thank you for this matter,” Zhai Yaohui looked at Zhu Chengqi and said sincerely.

  The Zhai family’s move to the capital during the coming year was also because Zhu Chengqi had done a lot to help them.

  Zhu Chengqi did not need these words of gratitude from Zhu Yaohui. “If you are sincere, remember to treat my goddaughter well.” Although Qiao Nan did not agree previously, Zhu Chengqi had already treated her as his daughter.

  As such, when he knew his son’s thoughts and confirmed that he was not suitable for Qiao Nan, he then threw Zhu Baoguo into the camp during the summer vacation that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng got engaged. This was in case Zhu Baoguo did anything that would embarrass everyone.

  \r \r \r

  Until now, Zhai Yaohui was still very shocked regarding this matter. He secretly felt bad for Zhu Baoguo. This was the latter’s biological father.

  Zhu Chengqi was willing to give the Zhai family convenience and help the Zhai family all because of Qiao Nan.

  Without Qiao Nan, Zhu Chengqi could not even be bothered with the matters of the Zhai family.

  When the two of them were young, they were also considered opponents. Even though the two parties admired each other’s behavior and style, they did not intend to have a friendly relation.

  It was also because of Qiao Nan’s appearance that the Zhu family and the Zhai family, two families that were on par with each other, had some interactions.

  “I came today to formally inform the Zhai family. Don’t think that Qiao Nan only has Qiao Dongliang, her biological father, as her maternal family. I can help you because of Qiao Nan. I can also step on you like how I help you today if you shortchange Qiao Nan. Understand?” Zhu Chengqi was unruly with his words. It was obvious that this was a threat.

  If Zhai Yaohui had a bad temper, given such words of Zhu Chengqi, Zhai Sheng could forget about marrying Qiao Nan. If this was not handled properly, the two families would simply become enemies.

  Fortunately, Zhai Yaohui did not flare-up.

  Zhai Yaohui laughed in a relaxed manner. “You really don’t need to warn me on this. That young lad of my family is very stubborn. Otherwise, I wouldn’t need to wait until today to prepare for my son’s wedding banquet.”

  Zhu Chengqi’s warning was not considered a warning.

  “Humph, what a shameless thing!” Zhu Chengqi snorted. Zhai Sheng was older than Qiao Nan by five years. One was already an old ruffian in the army while Qiao Nan was an extremely young and tender flower bud that had just entered college.

  His family’s flower bud had been plucked by another family’s lad. The fire in Zhu Chengqi’s heart was multiple times stronger than that of Qiao Dongliang.

  As expected, although Zhu Chengqi helped the Zhai family, he shunned them at the sight of them. He could not wait to teach them, especially Zhai Sheng, a lesson.

  Although his only son had been chided, Zhai Yaohui was not angry. He was happily drinking his tea while sitting down steadily.

  This was because he knew that the Zhai family was going to have an additional family member and Zhu Chengqi’s precious darling would become part of the Zhai family. That was why Zhu Chengqi said those ugly words.

  Facing such a situation, Zhai Yaohui would not take issue with Zhu Chengqi no matter how ugly the latter’s words were. He knew in his heart who had received a huge bargain. He felt happier to keep the pleasure to himself.

  The more Zhai Yaohui behaved in this way, the more sullen Zhu Chengqi looked.

  Since a young age, he had already discovered that the Zhai family might look very decent on the outside but they were full of cunning ideas and tricks, more than anyone else. They were manipulating others behind the scene!

  Zhu Chengqi took a deep breath. “You don’t have to fork out Qiao Nan’s dowry. I have already prepared for her.” This was the goddaughter that he and his wife had fancied. Could he let Qiao Nan marry off shabbily?

  As for Qiao Dongliang, Zhu Chengqi did not harbor any hopes toward this person at all.

  Otherwise, Zhu Chengqi would not have so little interaction with the Qiao family in the past few years.

  Zhu Chengqi’s eyes were sharp. He knew that Qiao Dongliang had the heart of an ordinary father. However, he did not expect that Qiao Dongliang would completely relinquish his hold on Qiao Zijin, his elder daughter.

  Unfortunately, the relationship between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan was already a dead knot.

  Qiao Dongliang could not figure it out himself. Qiao Nan would either not marry or if she were to marry, she would definitely go on separate ways with Qiao Dongliang, her biological father. They would not be close in the future.

  Zhu Chengqi was not a good person.

  In the past, Qiao Nan still harbored some hopes toward Qiao Dongliang. Hence, he would not be the bad guy. He might even make Qiao Nan angry if he did.

  He was certain that Qiao Dongliang would do himself in. Like a patient hunter, he was waiting for the opportune time to appear.

  When he heard that Qiao Dongliang spent the day before the eve of Lunar New Year with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Zhu Chengqi knew that the right time had arrived.

  Since Qiao Dongliang did not want his daughter, Qiao Nan, he could not blame him for availing himself of the opportunity to come in between them. He would pick up and bring home this good daughter.

  Henceforth, the Zhu family would be Qiao Nan’s maternal family. No matter what, Qiao Nan would not be bullied because of the lack of support from her maternal family.

  Facing Qiao Dongliang, a person who did not know how fortunate he was, Zhu Chengqi sneered continuously. Fortunately, Qiao Dongliang did something foolish. Otherwise, he would probably not have the chance to fulfill his beloved wife’s wish when she was alive to have a heartwarming little jacket.

  Since someone did not know how to cherish it, he should not blame it on others who were able to tell what the good stuff was. He would pick up the treasure, hide and protect it in his home.

  “You really want to snatch the daughter away from others?” Zhai Yaohui was a little surprised. Zhu Chengqi was very good to Qiao Nan. He treated her almost better than he did his biological son. He was astonished by the affinity between him and Qiao Nan.

  Who would have known that Zhu Chengqi’s thoughts were even deeper than Zhai Yaohui’s guess?

  1063 Untitled

  “Yes.” Zhu Chengqi admitted without any reservation. “When she was alive, she wanted a daughter like Qiao Nan. When she was pregnant with Baoguo, she had been saying ‘my daughter, my daughter’. Sometimes, I wonder if heaven mixed up the children of the two families.”

  Clearly, Qiao Nan was the kind of daughter that he and his wife had wished for, whereas Zhu Baoguo was the son that the Qiao couple had pined for.

  One family wanted a daughter while the other wanted a son.

  Qiao Nan was the daughter that they wanted and Zhu Baoguo was the son that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi wanted. Sometimes, it was scary that humans would become so blinded by their thoughts. Even such a formidable character like Zhu Chengqi would also have such ludicrous thoughts.

  Zhai Yaohui could not help tearing for Zhu Baoguo. “If Baoguo hears you, he will probably fight with you.” Zhu Chengqi had reached the stage whereby he was biased toward his goddaughter, Qiao Nan.

  It was fortunate that Zhu Chengqi only treated Qiao Nan as his daughter. Otherwise, there would be many more troubles.

  Zhu Chengqi raised his brows. “When you say this, you are underestimating the men in the Zhu family. You are underestimating my son. When that little brat turns around, your son will have a capable uncle-in-law. You should feel happy for your son. Baoguo has not come out of the dead end yet. Otherwise, your son will need to wait for another five to six years before he can get married.”

  Zhu Chengqi might appear to be quite harsh on Zhu Baoguo. In fact, it was because Zhu Chengqi understood his son, Zhu Baoguo, more than anyone else.

  Zhu Baoguo’s feelings toward Qiao Nan were certainly more than that of a platonic relationship. However, there were also too many other types of mixed feelings.

  Since he was at a young age, Zhu Baoguo did not have a mother. Qiao Nan’s appearance had coincidentally made up for this lacking aspect in Zhu Baoguo’s life.

  During the first year of junior high school studies, everyone who was sharp could tell that Zhu Baoguo and Qiao Nan did not behave like peers when they were together. It was as if a mother was bringing his son to school to study.

  He could only say that Zhu Baoguo’s luck was not good to have encountered Zhai Sheng’s appearance at the same time.

  Otherwise, who would know whether this kind of relationship with both romance and kinship would not blossom eventually?

  However, Zhai Sheng, who was more suitable for Qiao Nan, appeared. Some things could not be forced.

  \r \r \r

  Zhu Chengqi was very sure that it was just a matter of time. His son would figure out his thoughts and let go of Qiao Nan. He would then give his blessings to Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

  In that case, why would he not fulfill Qiao Nan’s wish to receive happiness earlier? He would keep a tight watch on his son and make his son understand this earlier.

  Although Zhu Baoguo was not a daughter, he was also a product of love that climbed out of the womb of the love of his life.

  How much could the biological father bully his son?

  However, these were matters between father and son, Zhu Baoguo and Zhu Chengqi. Zhu Chengqi was not interested to talk about his own family’s private matters.

  “Hahaha……” Zhai Yaohui laughed. “Certainly, my son’s luck has always been quite good. I don’t need to count my blessings.”

  If Zhai Sheng’s luck was not good, would he be able to conquer Qiao Nan before Qiao Nan had anything to do with Zhu Baoguo?

  Zhai Yaohui had always admitted how outstanding and exceptional his son was.

  “.……” Zhu Chengqi rolled his eyes at Zhai Yaohui. “If it is necessary, I hope that my daughter will only have one marriage in her life. You should also keep a tight watch on the people from the Qiao family.”

  He could not let the Qiao family create any trouble on the day of the marriage between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

  “They won’t have the chance to do so,” Zhai Yaohui said as if this did not bother him. “The banquet will be held in the capital. Besides Qiao Dongliang, the rest of the Qiao family will not have a chance to appear.”

  After thinking, Zhu Chengqi said, “That’s fine too. Both of us know the situation of the Qiao family very well. There should not be a concern about face.”

  Everyone in the quad was aware of the relationship between the Qiao family of four.

  Although Ding Jiayi was the biological mother, she behaved too terribly. She was too scary.

  If one were to invite a biological mother like Ding Jiayi to the once-in-a-lifetime occasion such as the wedding banquet, one might hinder their own life if it was not managed properly. In addition, they would be fostering enmity instead of kinship.

  It was true that one had to be careful about who to invite to a wedding banquet.

  After discussing some wedding details, Qiao Dongliang, the biological father, did not even need to show his face. He just needed to sleep abidingly at home. Everything had been discussed and finalized by the pair, Zhu Chengqi and Zhai Yaohui.

  Qiao Dongliang was unaware of this situation. Similarly, Qiao Nan, who was in a deep sleep at the house of the Shi family, did not know about this.

  In the blink of an eye, the last day of the current lunar year arrived.

  Regardless of the home, it was lively and bustling. Fragrances of dishes could be smelled coming from the houses.

  Initially, the father-daughter pair of the Shi family wanted to spend the Lunar New Year with the Qiao family. However, it was quite strange this year. On the 29th of the month, Feng Cheng left her maternal family and rushed to Ping Cheng. She wanted to spend the Lunar New Year with Shi Peng and Shi Qing.

  Feng Cheng disliked Qiao Nan. When she knew that Qiao Nan was staying in the house beside hers, she did not feel like talking too much.

  Furthermore, the Feng family of three had reunited. It did not seem right that the father-daughter pair of the Qiao family joined them at such a time.

  “Nan Nan, it seems that we will only have each other this year,” Qiao Dongliang said as he mocked at himself. “Next year, I think I will be the only one.”

  After thinking, Qiao Nan, who was plucking the celery leaves, said, “Not necessary. You can spend time with family, just like what you did on the day before the eve of Lunar New Year.”

  Her father had clearly rejected her mother’s date for a meal on the first day of Lunar New Year in front of her. However, on the day before the eve of Lunar New Year, didn’t her mother and Qiao Zijin sit on the same table with her father and had a meal? They even slept under the same roof, no?

  Since it was possible during the day before the eve of Lunar New Year, was there a need to care about other days?

  “I……” Qiao Dongliang was tempted. He still had Nan Nan to keep him company this year. Hence, he did not have such thoughts.

  Next year, when he was really alone, would he still insist on his opinion?

  “Nan Nan, you’re not angry?” Qiao Dongliang tested. He was someone who felt attached to the past. He kept feeling that old was better than new.

  After putting aside the celery, Qiao Nan was amused and she lifted her head. “Dad, why should I be angry? Since a long time ago, I have already said that it is your life. As long as you are happy, my thoughts don’t matter at all. This is your choice. You choose your life. Dad, I will support you. In the past, I never advised you to divorce. Now, I will also not stop you from reviving the marriage.”

  As expected, her father had harbored such thoughts.

  After knowing this, Qiao Nan really did not have any more psychological burden.

  Others thought that she was the main reason for her parents’ divorce in the past. However, she was very clear in her heart that her parents obviously could not get along with each other anymore. Her father decided to divorce. It did not have anything to do with her.

  If the two of them revived their marriage, Qiao Nan would feel liberated regardless of what others said.

  1064 Don’t Benefit Others If You Don’t Like To

  His father would have a wife by his side. There was also his elder daughter whom he always had high regard for. Very soon after, he might even have an elder son-in-law who would be filial to him.

  As such, she would not need to worry for her father even if she had fewer and fewer opportunities to return to Ping Cheng. She would not need to be afraid that her father would feel lonely, have no one keeping him company, or fall sick without anyone’s knowledge.

  Wasn’t such a situation also considered a form of liberation for Qiao Nan?

  With such a win-win situation for everyone, Qiao Nan did not have any reason or motivation to stop it from happening. “Dad, still the same words. You just have to lead a good life. I don’t have any opinion.”

  Instead of stopping him, Qiao Nan was very agreeable. At that instance, Qiao Dongliang did not know whether he should feel happy or sad. “Nan Nan, is it because you are going to marry Zhai Sheng soon and some things don’t matter anymore?”

  Qiao Nan could tell the pain and resentment in Qiao Dongliang’s tone. She was both angry and amused. “Dad, when Brother Zhai and I are still dating, you have also asked me whether you should divorce Mom. How did I respond then?”

  When she did not have Brother Zhai and the Zhai family as backings, did she agree to it when her father spoke about getting a divorce?

  In the same way, she had advised her father to consider carefully and not to divorce for her sake. Most importantly, he had to lead a good life of his own.

  Anyway, she was a daughter. There was no need to wait for the time of her marriage. As long as she could get into college, she would be able to lead a life of her own thereafter. At most, she would just tough it out for about two to three years.

  Her father’s blame was akin to kicking someone to the curb when they’ve outlived their usefulness. Qiao Nan really could not accept it.

  Qiao Dongliang’s expression was sullen. “Nan Nan, do you think that I am behaving very much like your mom now? That I am finding fault without a reason?”

  Qiao Dongliang also knew that his mindset had not been very healthy recently. A few days ago, especially when he suddenly thought of the problem of the dowry, he was so distracted that he had a sleepless night.

  Qiao Nan took the celery into the kitchen to wash. “Dad, there is a kind of psychological illness in this world called gamophobia. Dad, are you suffering from depression woes before your daughter is getting married?”

  “Is there such a mental illness?” Qiao Dongliang was self-reflecting. He seemed to be having such a condition.

  \r \r \r

  “Yes, it’s true. If you don’t believe it, I will buy you a book next year for you to read.” Qiao Nan calmed down. She was coaxing Qiao Dongliang as if he was a child.

  Qiao Nan continued to tell herself that she probably did not have much chance to coax her father in the future, even if she was willing to.

  She would make use of the time available now to coax him more when she still could.

  Although her father definitely did not divorce her mother because of her, her father also did many things for her. She acknowledged his love for her.

  Qiao Dongliang waved his hands. “No need. As long as such a condition truly exists.”

  “Dad, I will stir-fry the celery now, okay?” After chopping a few times, Qiao Nan finished cutting the washed celery. Naturally, she did not mind the additional work of stir-frying it.

  No matter how sad Qiao Nan was, she had to persist on having a good Lunar New Year. This was possibly the last year that would be more harmonious for the father-daughter pair.

  “No need. I will stir-fry them.” Qiao Nan wanted to have a good time during the last Lunar New Year that they would be spending together. Similarly, Qiao Dongliang also wanted to leave some good memories for his younger daughter.

  Even if Qiao Nan did not speak about it, Qiao Dongliang had also harbored some thoughts. After all, he had never fully let go of Qiao Zijin.

  Of course, it would be best for Qiao Dongliang if Qiao Nan was willing to talk about it.

  After this topic of conversation ended, the father-daughter pair maintained the chemistry between them. Neither mentioned the names of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin again. The pair was bustling as they started preparing for the reunion dinner in the small kitchen.

  The father-daughter pair carried out all the tasks together. Although there were only two people present this year, the atmosphere was not considered cold. It was quite good.

  The father-daughter pair sat and had a meal together. They also watched the spring television show and waited for the countdown.

  The moment the clock ticked when it was midnight, sounds of loud popping firecrackers could be heard from inside and outside the television.

  “Happy Lunar New Year, Dad.”

  “Happy Lunar New Year, Nan Nan.”

  After the father-daughter pair greeted each other, they then returned to their respective rooms to sleep.

  The difference was that Qiao Nan did not fall asleep very quickly, but Qiao Dongliang did.

  True enough, when she heard a familiar sound, Qiao Nan opened her windows and let Brother Zhai in. “Brother Zhai, aren’t you spending the night at home?”

  After Zhai Sheng entered the house, he felt much warmer instantly. “It’s not necessary.” He was someone with a wife now. Of course, he had to sleep with his wife during the Lunar New Year.

  As someone who already had an immediate family, Zhai Sheng was not willing to sleep alone like Zhai Hua and Old Master Zhai. He was not so foolish.

  “Have you eaten?” When she heard Zhai Sheng climbing the wall in such a bold and righteous manner, Qiao Nan chuckled.

  “Yes.” When he was replying to Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng had already removed all his clothes. There were only his boxer shorts left on his body. He had also lifted Qiao Nan’s blanket and wriggled in. “This blanket is new?”

  It was not that Zhai Sheng could not bear to let Qiao Nan buy a new blanket. On the contrary, Qiao Nan would always reject him whenever he wanted to buy something for her. Qiao Nan would tell him that there was no need to buy new ones since the items in the house were still quite good.

  If they were not going to replace the old ones, it would be meaningless to buy new ones as they would just be sitting there without any use.

  It was rare that Qiao Nan had gotten a new blanket. Naturally, Zhai Sheng discovered it immediately.

  “The blanket is not the only new thing. All the items on the bed are new.” Qiao Nan wriggled into Zhai Sheng’s arms. Her arms wrapped tightly on Zhai Sheng’s stiff arms. “On the day before the eve of Lunar New Year, they came and slept in my room. That’s why I changed everything. I have also thrown away the clothing that Qiao Zijin took and wore.”

  Zhai Sheng reached out his hands. One of them was below Qiao Nan’s neck while the other was around her waist.

  This action alone plastered their two bodies together without any gap.

  One was the hard yang and the other was the soft yin. It was like a picture of the Eight Trigrams[1]. The combination was perfect.

  “If you have changed them, so be it. Put the old ones aside.” Hugging the nice-smelling and soft woman in his arms, Zhai Sheng sighed comfortably. “You may mind but some others may not. Perhaps they can continue to use them next time.”

  “What I feel depressed about is whether these new things will benefit those few people.” Qiao Nan pinched the flesh on Zhai Sheng’s arms and said sullenly, “I am going to be married soon and I didn’t use these things for more than one month. I am petty. I don’t like to benefit others.”

  Zhai Sheng kissed Qiao Nan’s lips. She was pouting so much that one could hang a bottle on it. “If you really want to, you can simply move all these items to the Zhai family. You should know that the Zhai family will be moving to the capital, right? But that house in the quad still belongs to us. You can store your things there.”

  The Zhai family did not lack any house for Nan Nan to store her belongings. “These are our own things. There is no reason to benefit others if you don’t like to. We will bring them back. Don’t be unhappy.”

  [1] Eight Trigrams is a tripartite structure consisting of eight symbols used in Taoist cosmology to represent the fundamental principles of reality. It is seen as a range of eight interrelated concepts. Each consists of three lines; each line either ‘broken’ or ‘unbroken’, respectively representing yin or yang.

  1065 I am the Blessed One

  “Okay.” Having been consoled by Zhai Sheng, the anger in Qiao Nan’s heart diminished. “When I am married to you, my dad would have completed his mission. Next, he just needs to help Qiao Zijin form a family. Brother Zhai, in the future, no one from the Qiao family will care about me anymore.”

  His heart ached for the lady in his arms. However, Zhai Sheng really could not do much in this aspect. “It’s okay. The Qiao family doesn’t care about you but many people in the Zhai family want to dote on you. Nan Nan, you’re a smart lady. You should not feel upset over these matters.”

  Qiao Nan buried her face in Zhai Sheng’s arms. She then said sullenly, “Okay.”

  Finally, his nice-smelling and soft wife was in his arms. Today was the eve of Lunar New Year, a happy occasion. Zhai Sheng had initially wanted to behave like a beast but such thoughts went away when he saw Qiao Nan feeling so upset.

  Judging from this, it was better that he distanced Nan Nan from his father-in-law in the future. Otherwise, there would be a negative impact on the couple ‘making small humans’.

  He gave Qiao Nan a couple of rubs to relieve his temptation. Zhai Sheng then said with sulk and exasperation, “It’s late. Quickly go to sleep.”

  She had been rubbed so hard by Zhai Sheng and also heard his sullen voice that was depressed to the core. In particular, Zhai Sheng’s head was pouncing on and nudging her chest from time to time. He was behaving like a big bad wolf. Qiao Nan was initially feeling sad, but now, all her melancholy went away. “Brother Zhai, you…… Are you thinking of……”

  “I’ve endured for a few years. Can I not think of it?” Zhai Sheng took a bite on Qiao Nan’s chest to vent his frustration. He was already over twenty years old. He really felt that he had suffered a little.

  Qiao Nan took in some deep breaths. She would not laugh at Zhai Sheng anymore lest she overdo it. In the end, she would be the one at a disadvantage.

  Undeniably, Zhai Sheng’s appearance made Qiao Nan feel very peaceful and calm at heart. Qiao Nan felt extremely safe lying in Zhai Sheng’s arms while hearing his heartbeat.

  As for the suffering that she had endured at the Qiao family, Qiao Nan could finally cast them aside. She was no longer dwelling on it.

  \r \r \r

  After her marriage, she would not have much interaction with the Qiao family anymore.

  With husband and wife hugging each other to sleep, it could be considered a nice Lunar New Year eve.

  It was seven o’clock in the morning of the first day of Lunar New Year. When Qiao Dongliang woke up and opened the door, Zhai Sheng was already standing at the doorstep of the Qiao family. He was wearing a trim shirt and standing tall and straight like a pine tree. “Dad.”

  When he heard the word ‘Dad’ from Zhai Sheng, Qiao Dongliang faintly felt that he was in a trance. “Ah, you’re here to fetch Nan Nan?”

  “Yes.” Zhai Sheng walked in with a poker-face. Qiao Dongliang could not tell at all that, in fact, Zhai Sheng was already at his house last night. Most importantly, he had just woken up in Qiao Nan’s bedroom. “Nan Nan and I should make preparations for some things. Qiao Nan has to choose the furniture and stuff. Otherwise, we’re afraid that we won’t have time moving forward. Also, I will be taking wedding photos with Nan Nan.”

  Zhai Sheng did not like to take photos. Nevertheless, he was aware that wedding photoshoots were very popular nowadays.

  He had always heard people in his camp mentioned that their wives were extremely happy about taking wedding photos. In the past, Zhai Sheng did not give it much thought. At this time, Zhai Sheng also wanted to bring Qiao Nan for a photoshoot to make her happy.

  “Wedding photo?” Qiao Dongliang was not very sure about this. Many years ago, when he married Ding Jiayi, they probably did not even have a new set of clothing, let alone wedding attire. “Regarding this matter, Nan Nan and you can decide on your own. I remember that wedding gowns are white in color? What’s so nice about it?”

  “It’s fine to wear a white wedding gown during the photoshoot. When we are having the banquet, Nan Nan wishes to wear a phoenix coronet and robes,” Zhai Sheng said patiently. Regarding these matters, Zhai Sheng left it entirely to Qiao Nan, according to her wishes.

  Qiao Dongliang nodded. “This is better. You have just come back. When did Nan Nan and you discuss this?”

  “We have agreed on this in a phone conversation last year.” Zhai Sheng did not even move his brow a tad when he lied to Qiao Dongliang again and again. His lie seemed as real as the truth. His entire performance was so steady.

  Qiao Dongliang asked Zhai Sheng to get a seat. “Nan Nan, quickly get up. Zhai Sheng is going to bring you for a photoshoot.” After shouting for Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang then looked at Zhai Sheng. “Yesterday, Nan Nan kept me company while we waited for the countdown. She slept very late. Moreover, it has been tough on Nan Nan that she has to study during normal times. It is seldom that she gets a holiday. Today is also the first day of Lunar New Year. Hence, she slept for a while more. Please don’t mind her.”

  “I won’t.” Even after hearing Qiao Dongliang anxiously explain, Zhai Sheng did not feel much.

  When he faced Qiao Dongliang, this father-in-law, Zhai Sheng could understand the pain in Qiao Nan’s heart.

  When Qiao Nan felt that Qiao Dongliang would love and protect her wholeheartedly, Qiao Dongliang would always give Qiao Nan a vicious slap on the face due to his favoritism toward Qiao Zijin.

  When Qiao Nan had lost hopes on Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Dongliang would become the most ordinary father in the world. He would think of and do everything for Qiao Nan then.

  To Zhai Sheng, this kind of person was shameless and detestable.

  Certainly, one was not wrong to dote on and protect their child.

  However, his father-in-law could not tell right from wrong. Clearly, he knew that his child was in the wrong but he allowed her to continue down the wrong path. It was as scary as overindulgence and causing the child to fail!

  One had been overindulged while the other had ‘fallen’ to death.

  When Qiao Dongliang faced Zhai Sheng, he felt a little uneasy. “Zhai Sheng, how are you doing in the army recently?”

  “Quite good. However, most likely, I won’t remain in Ping Cheng after some time.”

  “You have been deployed? Where have you been deployed to?” Qiao Dongliang was becoming anxious. If Zhai Sheng had been deployed to a place with barren hills and unruly waters, what would happen to Nan Nan then? Was Nan Nan going to follow him?

  Zhai Sheng took a sip of the hot tea. “The capital. You are also aware of life in the army. When I arrive in the capital, I will be physically closer to Nan Nan although I still can’t take care of Nan Nan more. The good thing is that my parents will be close by and can often take care of Nan Nan. So, Dad, you don’t need to worry. When Nan Nan is married to me, I will definitely let Nan Nan lead a good and happy life.”

  “Your parents?” Qiao Dongliang looked at Zhai Sheng with shock and doubt. “Don’t tell me your parents are also going to the capital?”

  “Our whole family will be going.” Regarding the details of this matter, Zhai Sheng did not continue to talk about it. It was not appropriate for Qiao Dongliang to know certain matters.

  Qiao Dongliang’s expression changed many times. “Everyone will be going to the capital. T-that’s quite good too. Nan Nan is already studying in the capital. If all of you are there, I…… I don’t need to worry that no one can take care of Nan Nan if she encounters any problems in the capital. Q-quite good. Nan Nan is very blessed.”

  She had just gotten married and her whole in-law family would be going to her place of study. Nan Nan was truly very blessed.

  Zhai Sheng smiled. “No, I am the one who is very blessed to be able to marry Nan Nan. Dad, you don’t need to worry. I won’t let anyone, including myself, hurt Nan Nan. I will definitely be able to give Nan Nan happiness. Dad, if you miss us in the future, you can come to the capital to look for us.”


  1066 Wedding Photoshoo

  After Nan Nan was married, she would become part of the Zhai family.

  Nan Nan was only a first-year college student now. After marriage, she certainly would not be able to go home as frequently as other ladies.

  “Of course, when Nan Nan and I have the time, we will definitely come back to look for you. Dad, do remember to take care of your health. If you are well, Nan Nan will not need to worry or become distracted.”

  The entire Zhai family would be moving to the capital. This matter had already been cast in stone.

  Today, Zhai Sheng might as well inform Qiao Dongliang about the situation. It was also considered a reminder to Qiao Dongliang to cherish his time with Qiao Nan, as the father and daughter did not have much time left to spend together.

  Qiao Dongliang was naturally affected by this news. He initially thought that this Lunar New Year was the last one that he would be spending with Qiao Nan.

  He did not expect that they would be living in separate and faraway places. Both he and Qiao Nan were still young. They would not have many opportunities to meet in a year, let alone spend the Lunar New Year together.

  Nevertheless, it was certainly a good thing that the Zhai family could move to the capital.

  Qiao Dongliang could not drag down the Zhai family and Qiao Nan by stopping them from moving to the capital because of his selfish reasons.

  However, he totally did not expect that he would lose his daughter so quickly and completely after her marriage. Qiao Dongliang was shocked and dumbfounded, as if he had been dealt with a great blow. He looked very pitiful.

  Qiao Nan, who had finished washing up, was wearing a hat and a thick layer of clothing when she came out of the room. “Brother Zhai, I am ready. Let’s go. Dad, most likely, Brother Zhai and I won’t be having lunch with you today. Tonight……”

  “Dad, Nan Nan will go back to the Zhai’s residence with me tonight. She will be back here on the fifth day of Lunar New Year.” Zhai Sheng continued.

  Qiao Nan glanced at Zhai Sheng. After he finished his words, Qiao Nan then nodded and expressed that this was the arrangement.

  His daughter would be staying at his son-in-law’s place for four nights. Qiao Dongliang felt reluctant. He wanted to open his mouth and ask Qiao Nan to stay. However, in the end, he nodded. “Alright, I know. Since you are not coming back, I won’t wait for you to have lunch and dinner then.” It was the Lunar New Year. On the first day of Lunar New Year, other homes would be lively and bustling but he would be home alone.

  After passing her bag to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan said before she left, “Dad, do you still need to prepare food for lunch and dinner? Didn’t Mom invite you to the small courtyard of the Qiao family? Since you have a place to go, don’t cook yourself. You can save the trouble.”

  \r \r \r

  Previously, when she arrived home for winter vacation, Qiao Nan had heard Qiao Dongliang decline Ding Jiayi’s invitation. However, she had already taken this matter off her mind.

  Since they could have a meal together on the day before the Lunar New Year’s eve, what difference would it make if they were to spend the Lunar New Year’s eve together?

  Qiao Nan had always been very gracious when it came to such matters.

  If her father were to feel that his life would improve after reviving his marriage, she would definitely not say ‘no’.

  This time, Qiao Nan was really going to wash her hands off Qiao Dongliang, her father.

  No affinity. She did not have any affinity with the Qiao family!

  Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan left the house to take wedding photos and settle related matters. These were not excuses to brush Qiao Dongliang off.

  After the couple settled the wedding photos, Qiao Nan felt so exhausted that she could not get up. She had given up on the rest of the matters on the agenda. She would rather continue with them tomorrow.

  It was the first day of the Lunar New Year. Business was still as usual for a few shops, especially those that provide wedding photoshoots.

  Well, the boss of this shop was Zhai Hua’s childhood friend, someone that Zhai Hua was familiar with.

  If it were for other people, they might not have the time to provide wedding photoshoot services on the first day of Lunar New Year. Since the client was Zhai Sheng, they had to find the time to do that.

  Thus, on such a special occasion, the first day of Lunar New Year, the entire shop was only servicing Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

  There were pros and cons in taking photos during winter. The advantage was that one could capture the beautiful snow scenery.

  The disadvantage was that the weather was too cold. Qiao Nan did not mind wearing less for the sake of beautiful wedding photos. However, Zhai Sheng was domineering and did not allow Qiao Nan to remove her clothing or wear too revealing ones, lest she catch a cold.

  When she heard Zhai Sheng’s words, Qiao Nan was speechless.

  Usually, wedding gowns were in tube-top designs. Those that covered one from tip-to-toe were rather rare.

  If she had to adhere to Zhai Sheng’s request, Qiao Nan felt that wedding gowns most likely would not appear in the only wedding photo album of her two lifetimes. Zhai Sheng had cut off all her means.

  Perhaps it was because he could sense that Qiao Nan was a little displeased, but Zhai Sheng finally allowed Qiao Nan to choose one set of wedding gowns for the photoshoot. However, he requested the photos to be taken indoors.

  After Qiao Nan happily chose a wedding gown that she was quite satisfied with and came out wearing it, she was shocked. “Where’s the photographer?”

  Zhai Sheng had also changed into a suave suit. He was tidying up his sleeves. “Isn’t she standing there?”

  Qiao Nan blinked her eyes. “The photographer has been changed?” Clearly, this person was not the one who took their photos earlier.

  Although Qiao Nan could recognize faces, she was not good at remembering them. She could tell that the one holding the camera currently was not the previous photographer completely because of her gender.

  Unless one was blind, the male photographer, who was wearing a down jacket with a short, clean-cut hair, had been changed into a female photographer who was slim with shoulder-length hair.

  How could one not discover such a huge change?

  “Why had the person been changed?” Qiao Nan did not discriminate between genders. Whoever was the photographer did not make any difference.

  Their earlier experience of taking the photos was quite good. Qiao Nan did not understand the reason for the sudden change.

  Qiao Nan was unaware that her curious question had frightened the assistant who was squatting down and helping her tidy up her dress so much that the assistant choked on her own saliva.

  Besides the assistant, the other few people who were busy also had odd expressions as they tried to avoid her question.

  Zhai Sheng did not give any explanation either. His dark and black eyes were staring at Qiao Nan’s chest as he knitted his brows. “Do you have to pick something so low-cut?”

  Looking at Qiao Nan, who was wearing a tube-top style wedding dress, he saw that her neck was bare and her beautiful shoulders were totally uncovered.

  In particular, she seemed to have worn something on her chest as the flesh on it had been pushed up.

  As a man, Zhai Sheng liked it very much that Qiao Nan dolled up this way. He found it very pretty.

  The problem was that he would feel happier if Qiao Nan were to wear such attire at home and for his eyes only.

  “It doesn’t look good?” Qiao Nan did not feel that there was any problem with the wedding gown that she had chosen.

  The only thing she felt a little insecure about was how it was a little revealing.

  Qiao Nan’s cup size had never been small. Recently, she had also grown some flesh. One could just imagine how much ‘substance’ she had.

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  1067 Only Ladies Are Allowed

  The assistant was also surprised when she was selecting the invisible bra for Qiao Nan.

  She totally did not expect that the bride was so young and skinny but the flesh on her chest was the stark opposite.

  She almost asked Qiao Nan about her usual diet and whether she had any secret formula. Otherwise, why was the flesh on Qiao Nan’s body so intelligent that they knew where to grow?

  If she had not personally helped Qiao Nan put on the invisible bra, she almost wanted to ask Qiao Nan if she had ever done any boob jobs.

  This was such a slim and young lady, yet she had a ‘D’ cup size. Tsk, tsk, tsk……

  The assistant then lowered her head and looked at her own chest, which was as flat as the airport runway. Her pride as a woman was badly hurt.

  The flesh on Qiao Nan’s chest had been lifted completely and the entire wedding gown had been tightened. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan’s waist was so slim that it was not even more than 1.8 feet.

  When she finished tidying the wedding gown and tightening the ribbons for Qiao Nan, the gown was hugging Qiao Nan’s figure. The assistant’s eyeballs nearly popped out.

  Full boobs, slim waist, long legs……

  Was anyone certain that this was not a Super Dollfie[1]?

  Not to mention a man, as a woman, the assistant also felt impending nose-bleeding and the urge to take a few more glances.

  All of a sudden, the assistant completely understood why the groom’s face turned black immediately after knowing the wedding gown design chosen by the bride. He requested all the male crew to leave the scene and only allowed female ones.

  It seemed that the groom was very familiar with the bride’s figure.

  “It’s nice.” Zhai Sheng would not say something against his conscience. He was unwilling to tell lies to make Qiao Nan unhappy either.

  Anyway, all the men had left. Even if he was reluctant to let Qiao Nan wear such attire outside, Zhai Sheng’s anger had also diminished. “Let’s take photos.”

  \r \r \r

  “Okay.” Qiao Nan was smiling like a flower. She went forward to Zhai Sheng and held on to his arms sweetly. She looked extremely happy and contented.

  These were wedding photos that she had been yearning for in two lifetimes. It was great that her wish had been fulfilled.

  Although she did not have any prior experience to compare with, Qiao Nan knew that she was very fortunate and happy today.

  She had not taken wedding photos before but Qiao Zijin did.

  The boss of this shop was Sister Zhai Hua’s childhood friend. They did not lack money. The designs of the wedding gowns in the studio were very beautiful and the gowns were also new.

  Zhai Sheng had wanted to buy a new piece of wedding gown for Qiao Nan but she felt that there was no need to. After all, she would only wear it during the photoshoot. She was not going to wear a white wedding gown for the banquet. It would be wasteful and meaningless to buy one.

  Furthermore, when she saw the design, quality, and cleanliness of the wedding gowns in the shop, the more Qiao Nan did not want to buy a brand new wedding gown.

  In comparison to her previous life whereby Qiao Zijin boasted so much about wedding photos that were only so-so, Qiao Nan cherished very much what she had now.

  Zhai Sheng was a soldier. When he took photos, he was standing tall and straight as if he was forming a line. He looked as if he was reviewing a parade instead of taking photos.

  It was still fine when they were taking the ‘lifestyle’ photos earlier. However, it looked too stiff now since he was wearing a crisp suit.

  Fortunately, Qiao Nan was the moderator. When Zhai Sheng did not know how to pose, Qiao Nan would pose. When Zhai Sheng did not know how to put up an expression, Qiao Nan would do so. If Zhai Sheng was portraying the strong side of him, Qiao Nan would show the soft side of her.

  Everyone could tell that Qiao Nan was very accommodating.

  Some people’s hearts ached for Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng had married such a beautiful wife but why was he still dissatisfied? He was not cooperative during the photoshoot at all. Young lad, you have to count your blessings!

  Only the photographer knew. Although this couple in her camera might not have performed the best, they were definitely the happiest pair.

  Regardless of the bride’s pose, the groom might seem unhappy or did not have much reaction. However, his actions were always protective of the bride, preventing the bride from having any accidental fall.

  The groom’s expression was very cold and could be described as emotionless. Nevertheless, he looked extremely gentle when his eyes were on the bride. It gave people a feeling of warmth.

  It was akin to the winter sun. When it shone during the icy winter, it could drive away all the cold in someone and leave behind a heart-warming feeling.

  With the look in the groom’s eyes, the photographer was very certain that he loved the bride very much. This should also be the reason that this bride was very willing to marry the groom.

  With this, the fingers that the photographer used to snap the shutter turned very agile. Sounds of snapping could be heard continuously.

  Qiao Nan did not feel much during the photoshoot. However, when it had ended, she felt exhausted when Zhai Sheng carried her back to the Zhai’s residence. “I don’t understand why it’s so tiring to take wedding photos.”

  The wedding photos of Brother Zhai and her were not that simple too. There were both indoor and outdoor shoots.

  However, compared to the overseas photoshoot that was common many decades later, their schedule today could not be any simpler.

  She was already tired out with this. Wouldn’t the process of taking wedding photos many decades later be even tougher?

  “You’re feeling tired?” Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan. “Go back to the room to take a nap first.”

  “Okay.” Fortunately, there were not many people in the living room and Qiao Nan was really feeling tired. She thus obediently allowed Zhai Sheng to carry her back to the bedroom to sleep.

  This was the first time Qiao Nan came to Zhai Sheng’s room. Perhaps she was already used to Zhai Sheng’s smell. When she was yawning and being carried into the room, she did not feel unfamiliar with this room at all. On the contrary, she felt extremely safe as this room was filled with Zhai Sheng’s smell.

  Zhai Sheng not only carried Qiao Nan to bed but also removed the coat and shoes for her. He then covered her with a blanket. He took such good care of Qiao Nan.

  Qiao Nan’s tiny face rubbed on the blanket a few times. “Brother Zhai, do you want to come up and sleep for a while? When Mom and Dad come back later, it will most likely be quite noisy.”

  “Okay.” After thinking, Zhai Sheng agreed. He removed his clothes and shoes and slept as he hugged Qiao Nan.

  To Zhai Sheng, it was definitely meaningless to sleep alone. However, he felt that it was meaningful to sleep together with someone although he could not ‘do’ anything.

  When Qiao Nan woke up, Zhai Sheng was already not by her side.

  At the sound of some noises outside, Qiao Nan wore her clothing, washed up, and went out. “Grandpa, Dad, Mom, Sister Zhai Hua.” Seeing that all the Zhai family members were present, Qiao Nan did not mind the trouble and greeted everyone one by one.

  “Nan Nan, you’re awake. Come, sit beside Mom.” Qiao Nan, who had just woken up, was pinkish in the face. Her face was full of collagen and she seemed to have grown a tad of baby fat since she had been well taken care of in the recent few years.

  Miao Jing felt very soothing to hear the soft and gentle voice.

  Miao Jing could not wait for Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan to have a child soon. Regardless of whether it was a grandson or granddaughter, it would certainly be more adorable than the two children that she had given birth to previously.

  It could be because the Zhai family was used to being tough. Especially Zhai Hua, she was naughtier than a boy. There was nothing that Zhai Hua did not dare to do, including climbing up and down the trees and going down the river.

  [1] Super Dollfie, often abbreviated SD, is a brand of ball-jointed doll, or BJD, made by the Japanese company Volks. They are easy to customize and are primarily marketed to adult doll collectors and customizers.

  1068 ‘Little Husband’ Is Back

  To the Zhai family, it was quite a novel experience to have such a soft and gentle young lady as an additional family member.

  Both Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui felt regretful that Zhai Hua was not a typical young lady. In comparison with Qiao Nan, the difference was more obvious.

  Looking at Qiao Nan, Old Master Zhai could not help clearing his throat. Moving forward, he was prepared to restrain his loud voice a little when he was at home.

  His granddaughter-in-law did not seem like a timid one. The problem was that he kept having the feeling that his loud voice might scare her.

  Although there seemed to be a balance in genders with three men and two women in the Zhai family, Zhai Hua was a lady who did not behave like one. That said, the Zhai family had many masculine members but lacked feminine ones.

  With Qiao Nan, one could feel more balanced in terms of both ‘yin’ and ‘yang’ auras.

  “Mom.” As soon as Miao Jing waved to her, Qiao Nan immediately walked toward her without a word. She ignored the fact that Zhai Sheng was also looking at her. She obediently sat beside Miao Jing and allowed Miao jing to hold her hand.

  “Have you finished taking wedding photos? Are the photos well-taken and are you satisfied with them? If you’re not, I’ll help you teach your sister a lesson.” Miao Jing looked at Zhai Hua with an obvious look of warning.

  Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. “Mom, now that you have a daughter-in-law, you don’t care about your daughter anymore? It’s the first day of Lunar New Year today. Which photography studio will be open for business? I found someone to help so that their wedding banquet won’t be delayed. There is not a word of thanks. I’m even going to receive a beating instead.”

  The conversation between the mother-daughter pair was quite impolite but Qiao Nan was already used to the way that the Zhai family interacted with one another. “Mom, the photography studio introduced by Sister Zhai Hua is very good. If it’s not good, we most likely wouldn’t be able to take the set of photos with me wearing the wedding gown.”

  It was only until the end of the photoshoot did Qiao Nan coincidentally hear the discussion between two of the female crew members when she went to the bathroom. They said that the groom was being too much in his request. They were already finishing with the photoshoot but he still insisted to change all the crew to female.

  Fortunately, they were taking wedding photos today. Otherwise, their thoughts would have gone astray if it were other typical customers requesting for an all-female crew.

  Miao Jing was curious when she heard that something had happened. “What happened?”

  \r \r \r

  Qiao Nan pouted. “I don’t know why, but Brother Zhai requested for an all-female crew for the last segment of the photoshoot.”

  Such a request would typically cause others to have a misunderstanding.

  Miao Jing was stunned as she looked at Zhai Sheng, “Why?”

  Why did he request to change an all-female crew?

  Almost everyone in the Zhai family turned their eyes to Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng was not the lecherous type. Precisely, it was even stranger for Zhai Sheng to have made such a request.

  Having been ‘betrayed’ by his wife, Zhai Sheng’s face turned sullen. He said unhappily, “No particular reason.”

  “What do you mean by ‘no particular reason’?” Zhai Hua was getting annoyed. There was a problem here. “I have gotten my childhood friend to help you, yet you are nitpicking?” If not for her, there would not be any wedding photoshoot. One must know how to be grateful.

  Zhai Sheng glanced sideways at Zhai Hua. “Your childhood friend?”

  “.……” One of the corners of Zhai Hua’s lips lifted.

  Alright, she was only one year younger than Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng also knew her childhood friend.

  “Not many photography studios are open for business on the first day of Lunar New Year, but I’m sure there are a few other choices. I have made some requests but that is also because the price of this photoshoot is not cheap. The price is high but the service attitude does not correspond with it. If that is the case, it may be better for the photography studio to close down soon.”

  Zhai Sheng was in a bad mood and was thus very vicious in his words. It was as if he was saying, ‘I pay you money to work. I don’t owe you anything.’

  He had spent so much money, yet he was not allowed to make a few reasonable requests?

  “Old master, dinner is ready.” Upon hearing the pause in the conversation outside, the auntie walked out and said that it was dinner time.

  The earlier conversation had gone into a blind alley. Since Zhai Sheng was not willing to tell, they would most likely not get anywhere by continuing to question him. They might as well save some energy and move on to having dinner.

  After dinner, Zhai Hua questioned in a thievish manner, “Qiao Nan, you slept on my bed on the night of the day before Lunar New Year’s eve. You’re not going back tonight and you still have to sleep in my house for a few more nights. Where will you be sleeping? Is it going to be my room or the guest room?” She refused to mention Zhai Sheng’s name.

  After saying that, Zhai Hua even looked at Zhai Sheng, flaunting her prowess. She was so provocative.

  Zhai Sheng dug out Qiao Nan, who was so shy that she was about to bury herself under the table, and half-held her in his arms. He did not mind the fact that the entire family was sitting down and watching them. He also did not bother about Qiao Nan’s ant-like resistance. “Mom, Tian Dong is back.”

  “Tian Dong? He is back?” When she first heard this name, Miao Jing did not react much. She just found this name very familiar. After a careful recollection, Miao Jing then widened her eyes and stared at Zhai Hua, which simply caused Zhai Hua to have goose bumps all over her.

  Zhai Hua rubbed her arms. “Who is Tian Dong? What has it got to do with me that he is back? Why are you looking at me in this way? Do I know him?”

  Old Master Zhai looked like he was in a dilemma. “I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing that this lad is back. If only the matter regarding Wei De did not happen…… Well, I certainly don’t fancy this lad. He’s so westernized! Nevertheless……” No matter how westernized he was, he was still much better than Wei De.

  Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Sheng was not someone who would speak without any objective in mind. He definitely mentioned Tian Dong to counterattack Zhai Hua’s scoff. She whispered into Zhai Sheng’s ears, “Who is Tian Dong?”

  She did not have much recollection of Tian Dong in her two lifetimes.

  “He is the little husband that Zhai Hua decided for herself,” Zhai Sheng said in an earth-shattering manner.

  “Is it true or false?”

  “Crap. Why didn’t I know about it?!”

  Qiao Nan was asking purely out of curiosity. One had to know. If Zhai Hua had really decided on a little husband for herself, how did the matters with Wei De come about? There shouldn’t have been Wei De, no?

  The thing that concerned Qiao Nan most was, although Zhai Hua had decided on a little husband when she was a child, she did not even have any recollection of this ‘little husband’ when his name was mentioned today. That was so funny.

  Qiao Nan could tell that Zhai Hua really did not remember much about Tian Dong. She also could not recall that she had a ‘little husband’ at all. “When did I have a little husband?!”

  If she had decided on a little husband for herself, would she have looked for Wei De?

  Why was it that she did not have any impression of her husband at all?

  “I remember that the Tian family came back this time to pray for their ancestors. They will also be returning to the capital after the fifteenth day of Lunar New Year.” Zhai Yaohui’s eyes lit up. Actually, that young lad of the Tian family was not bad. From a certain perspective, he was quite compatible with Zhai Hua.

  “If there is a chance, we can meet up to have a meal with them.” Her daughter’s marriage had already become a priority concern in Miao Jing’s heart. Miao Jing did not have much recollection on that child of the Tian family. She only remembered that Tian Dong was born in the same year as her daughter. Most likely, the difference in age was only a few months.

  1069 The Domineering Zhai Hua

  The men in the Zhai family, including her father-in-law, did not voice out any opposing views at the mention of Tian Dong. Hence, Miao Jing felt quite hopeful about Tian Dong.

  Everyone in the Zhai family was happy except for Zhai Hua, who was pulling a long face. She almost wrote four words on her forehead: I am very displeased.

  Who was Tian Dong? Why was it that she did not have any impression of him?

  It was only when Zhai Sheng physically subdued Zhai Hua and carried Qiao Nan back to his room did Zhai Hua lay on her bed sullenly and yell all of a sudden, “Don’t tell me it is Dongzi?”

  “Dongzi? Who is Dongzi?” In the other room, Qiao Nan was nestling in Zhai Sheng’s arms and looking at him with a pair of bright eyes. “I don’t think any of you have mentioned him before. Is he good-looking?”

  Zhai Sheng narrowed his eyes. “You’re very concerned about his looks?”

  “Of course I am. Although we should pay more attention to one’s inner substance, wouldn’t it be better if the other party also has exterior beauty and good looks? Otherwise, I am worried that your future nephew will be too horrible to look at.” When she saw Zhai Sheng’s expression changing, Qiao Nan was slightly angry as she patted him. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous? I am asking out of concern for Sister Zhai Hua, aren’t I?”

  It was always better to face a handsome guy than a frog.

  “Although Sister Zhai Hua has climbed out of a huge pit like Wei De, her mood hasn’t recovered fully. If this Dongzi is good-looking, wouldn’t the chances of a successful relationship be higher?”

  Zhai Sheng was quite satisfied with Qiao Nan’s reply. “I take it that your words make sense.”

  “Since you feel that my words make sense, quickly tell me about Dongzi. You said that Dongzi is the little husband that Sister Zhai Hua had decided for herself. If that is the case, why was Sister Zhai Hua involved with Wei De? Moreover, she couldn’t even recall who Dongzi is.” She had a feeling that this would be a very long story.

  “When we were young, Zhai Hua and I had a lot of playmates, including Dongzi.”

  “They were all childhood friends.” A bunch of them. “Does that mean Dongzi and Sister Zhai Hua were childhood sweethearts?”

  \r \r \r

  “Not really. Dongzi moved away from the quad when he was quite young. His whole family migrated to America and only came back this year. When Dongzi left, Zhai Hua was only seven years old.” Twenty years had already passed. There had been so many people surrounding Zhai Hua over the years. One could not blame her for forgetting who Dongzi was. “To be specific, Dongzi was not Zhai Hua’s little husband. He should be her little wife.”

  Zhai Hua had a very outgoing and boyish character since she was young. She grew up by Old Master Zhai’s side. Hence, she had always lacked a senior female figure to guide and influence her.

  When Zhai Hua was very young, she knew the difference between men and women. However, she did not have a very strong sense of gender awareness.

  If Zhai Hua was akin to a fake young lad when she was a child, then Tian Dong, who was older than Zhai Hua by just two months, was like a fake young lady.

  In comparison to Zhai Hua, Tian Dong was much quieter and not as noisy. Zhai Hua was naughty and outdoors every day whereas Tian Dong could follow Old Master Tian quietly by his side all the time.

  When someone shouted for him, Tian Dong would respond with a shy smile, revealing his baby teeth.

  In comparison to a bunch of naughty kids, Tian Dong was famous for being obedient at that time.

  Zhai Sheng was also not as naughty as Zhai Hua when he was young. He was also quiet but his temper was not as good as that of Tian Dong. He would never respond to anyone’s teasing. If he was provoked, he would face the person with the back of his head.

  As Tian Dong was too quiet and accommodating, occasionally, people would joke that it would be wonderful if Tian Dong was a young lady.

  He was so fair, crisp-looking, and handsome. He had a good and quiet temperament. He did not behave like a boy at all.

  Tian Dong was as quiet as a girl whereas Zhai Hua was as wild as a boy. Even the naughtiest lad had to address her as boss. As expected, some also joked that Zhai Hua and Tian Dong’s genders had been mixed up.

  Due to this reason, when the elders talked about the children and mentioned Zhai Hua, they would definitely bring up Tian Dong. When they praised Tian Dong, they would also mention Zhai Hua.

  Which child had not been rebellious when they were young? Not to mention that Zhai Hua was a true-blue rebellious kid when she was young.

  The two of them were always discussed and compared with each other by the elders. Zhai Hua, who was only five years old then, felt unhappy. “Dongzi, are you really a boy?” At the sight of the fair-faced and plump boy who was tidily dressed, Zhai Hua’s tone was not good at all.

  After looking at Tian Dong, Zhai Hua then lowered her head and looked at her dirty clothes. As she had fallen, there was a hole in her pants. Her heart was burning with anger.

  Tian Dong felt sullen for a while before he nodded. “I am a boy.”

  “I don’t believe it!” Zhai Hua’s small brows stiffened. Her tone was furious.

  Tian Dong was anxious. “Why don’t you believe me? I am really a boy.”

  Zhai Hua gritted her teeth. “I want to see it. I will believe it after I see it.” Facing Tian Dong, who was many times gentler than her, Zhai Hua believed that Tian Dong might really be a girl dressed in boy’s clothing.

  Her grandfather told her before that some people had a patriarchal mindset of favoring boys over girls.

  Dongzi might be a young lady. However, it was possible that the Tian family deliberately made her dress up as a boy with boy’s clothing as they favored boys over girls. Dongzi was too pitiful.

  This would not do. She was the bearer of justice and she could not let the Tian family bully Little Sister Dongzi. She would protect Little Sister Dongzi!

  Zhai Hua’s thinking was very simple. If she was able to prove that Dongzi was a girl, the Tian family would certainly not force Dongzi to wear any boy’s clothing anymore. Dongzi could then revert to dressing like a girl.

  As such, no one would compare her to Dongzi and shunned her for being too naughty again, that Dongzi was quieter than her despite being a boy.

  “S-see? How are you going to do that?” Tian Dong was dumbfounded. This could be found out by seeing?

  Before Tian Dong could come to his senses, Zhai Hua rushed forward like a little cannonball and pressed Tian Dong under her body.

  Zhai Hua was famous in the quad for being naughty and mischievous. She was very wild and had greater strength than boys of her age.

  To the gentle Tian Dong, who was not fond of playing and making noise, he could not resist at all. Without any suspense, he was entirely subdued by Zhai Hua.

  His thigh felt cool. His pants had been taken off by Zhai Hua. Most importantly, the body part that he used for urinating, which his father said he could not casually reveal to others, had been poked.

  Waa! Naturally, Tian Dong, who had not figured out what was going on, wailed loudly.

  Zhai Hua touched that ‘little worm’ which she did not have on her body to confirm that it was warm and not fake. Zhai Hua was feeling both sullen and unhappy as she said, “You are really a boy?”

  Upon hearing Zhai Hua’s words, although the young Tian Dong still did not really understand, he felt humiliated and cried out even more loudly.

  1070 I Will Marry You

  “Don’t…… Don’t cry.” Zhai Hua was domineering. Nevertheless, she was not bad-tempered and did not like to bully others. At the sound of Tian Dong crying so loudly, she panicked. When she turned, she realized that she had not stood up and her tiny buttocks were still sitting on Tian Dong’s tummy. “I was very soft earlier. I didn’t use much strength. Did I make you feel painful? Don’t worry. That…… That part of your body is still around.”

  She did not pull out that thing. Was there a need for Dongzi to cry in this manner?

  When others rushed over at the sound of the cries, they saw the son of the Tian family’s second son being suppressed under the body of the elder granddaughter of the Zhai family without his pants.

  That scene was too beautiful……

  “Pfft……” When she heard that Zhai Hua and Dongzi actually had such an experience, Qiao Nan laughed so hard that she spat her saliva. “Is it true? Sister Zhai Hua removed his pants and even touched that thing of his, yet she forgot the other party totally? Sister Zhai Hua was already so powerful when she was a child?”

  She had only heard of little boys lifting the skirt of little girls due to curiosity. This was really the first time that she heard a girl remove the pants of a boy. It was such a novelty.

  Upon hearing Qiao Nan’s words, Zhai Sheng’s face turned black. “Someone dared to lift your skirt?!”

  Qiao Nan’ smile turned stiff. “I am talking about Sister Zhai Hua and Dongzi. I have never worn a skirt since I was a child.”

  Qiao Zijin had dresses. Although she was allowed to wear Qiao Zijin’s used clothing in the past, she would never get to wear those that Qiao Zijin liked very much.

  As expected, a young lady like Qiao Zijin loved to look pretty and favored floral dresses.

  Even if those floral dresses were old or torn, Qiao Zijin could not bear to give them to Qiao Nan. She would ask Ding Jiayi to cut, sew, and make them into little cloth bags that Qiao Zjin could use for playing house.

  As such, Qiao Nan did not know if any boys had wanted to lift her skirt. Anyway, she did not give anyone a chance.

  In the past, Zhai Sheng detested Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. This was the only rare matter that he did not find annoying. However, he certainly did not like it either.

  \r \r \r

  It was not because of other reasons. Zhai Sheng had never done it, but in the group of his childhood friends, there was really someone who had lifted the skirt of a girl before.

  “What happened thereafter?” Qiao Nan was anxious to know.

  Zhai Sheng cleared his throat. “They were still young and ignorant at that time. Dongzi lamented that he could no longer marry a wife in the future. The elders were also blindly kicking up a fuss. Zhai Hua did not manage to control herself then. She not only helped Dongzi wipe his tears but also wear his pants. She then said that she would marry Dongzi when they grew up.”

  “Sister Zhai Hua helped him wear the pants back in the same way she took them off? What a heroine!” Qiao Nan could not help giving a thumbs-up. Sister Zhai Hua made all women feel proud.

  It was no wonder Brother Zhai said that Sister Zhai Hua had gotten herself a little wife.

  At the thought that Tian Dong could be mistaken as a girl when he was a child, his face was most likely quite good-looking.

  “But how could Sister Zhai Hua forget such a matter?” She removed someone’s pants, wore them back for him, and even announced that she would marry him.

  If she were in Sister Zhai Hua’s shoes, she would not forget any of these three matters in her lifetime.

  Zhai Sheng sighed. “Maybe she has been mixing around too much with guys that she forgot about it.”

  It was also because Zhai Hua grew up with a bunch of boys since she was a child. Most of the time, she did not see herself as a woman.

  Zhai Sheng was also worried that his only sister was behaving like a guy. Otherwise, he would not have transferred Wei De away from Zhai Hua previously as soon as he was aware of his existence.

  It was not convenient for Zhai Sheng to do many things but transferring Wei De to another team was not a difficult matter.

  It was rare that a man could let Zhai Hua realize her own gender. Zhai Sheng was thus very soft on Wei De.

  It was also rare that Zhai Sheng was willing to let go a little. However, no one would have expected that Wei De, the one whom Zhai Hua finally fancied after such a long time, was completely incapable. He was an intolerable scum.

  Zhai Sheng’s mouth was talking about Zhai Hua’s matter but his hands were acting on their own and beginning to wriggle into Qiao Nan’s clothes.

  When Qiao Nan realized this, she could not stop Zhai Sheng’s hands anymore. Qiao Nan blushed. “Aren’t we talking about decent matters?”

  “Talking is not as important as ‘doing’.” Zhai Sheng’s deep eyes were shimmering oddly. At one turn, he was on top of and pressing on Qiao Nan. “You are so concerned about other people’s matters. Should you also show some concern for me?”

  Qiao Nan wanted to say, “You’re just by my side. What is there to be concerned about?” However, before she could do so, her mouth was blocked by Zhai Sheng.

  All this while, Zhai Sheng was very speedy in undressing himself. He was not sure when it began, but the speed at which he undressed Qiao Nan was even faster than that of undressing himself.

  After removing all of Qiao Nan’s clothes, Zhai Sheng’s eyes flashed with a greenish light. He said softly, “I have been thinking about this for the whole day!” The moment he saw Qiao Nan in the wedding gown, Zhai Sheng’s mind was only left with one thought, which was to take off Qiao Nan’s clothes.

  Zhai Sheng was not lecherous. He had been good-looking since he was a child and his family background was good. As such, Qiu Chenxi was not the only woman circling him.

  When those young ladies wooed Zhai Sheng, they could resort to any means. Once, there was a young lady who wore something much more revealing than the wedding gown that Qiao Nan wore today. It could be considered as the high-end kind of see-through attire in the early days.

  Besides the important private parts, the rest of the body and skin could be seen at one glance.

  The other party had used such a tactic but Zhai Sheng was not the least distracted. When the other party fell toward his arms, Zhai Sheng even moved a step aside and caused the lady to fall onto the ground.

  Zhai Sheng had thought that he would behave like that in his entire lifetime.

  Unexpectedly, he was enlightened after he met Qiao Nan. After he confirmed his feelings toward Qiao Nan, from Liu Xiahui, he actually changed into an evil and lecherous ghost.

  “Shameless.” Qiao Nan pouted and glared at Zhai Sheng. Thereafter, she allowed herself to be tortured by Zhai Sheng as the latter dragged her into the bottomless abyss of lust.

  After some time, Qiao Nan whispered in her hoarse voice, “B-brother Zhai…… Out…… go out……”

  “Just a while more.” Zhai Sheng’s voice was sullen. There seemed to be a gush of viciousness in his tone.

  “.……”

  “Stop!” Qiao Nan cried as she scratched Zhai Sheng’s back in frustration.

  Unfortunately, at this point, Qiao Nan’s energy had already been drained by Zhai Sheng. Her voice sounded so weak and soft, as if she were a kitten. Clearly, she was scratching and venting her frustration but she did not even leave any scratch on Zhai Sheng’s back. It was as if she was reliving the itch for Zhai Sheng.

  “It’s almost done.” Zhai Sheng took pity on Qiao Nan and gave her a peck on her rosy face. However, the viciousness of the action of his lower body was a stark contrast from the doting kiss.

  1071 Can’t Get Up

  It was almost done……

  Qiao Nan wanted to cry but she had no tears. As if it would be done! He also said the same words earlier!

  Qiao Nan, who was viciously bullied by Zhai Sheng, had not expected this. To a strong and fit twenty-six-year-old man, it had been tough on him to endure several months of taking ‘vegetarian food’ after having ‘meat’ once.

  Finally, he had waited until the eve of Lunar New Year. His nice-smelling wife was obediently lying in his arms and it seemed that he could do whatever he wished with her. However, Zhai Sheng, who had been starving badly, still had to suppress all his longing and desire. The big piece of meat was at the edge of his mouth but he could not take a bite of it. He could only cover himself with a blanket and sleep abidingly.

  As such, the fire in Zhai Sheng’s belly was extraordinarily huge.

  Finally, he waited until the day that he could have ‘meat’. Zhai Sheng would not be a real man if he did not act according to his wishes and take a few more bites of it.

  He had reminded Qiao Nan a few times that the ‘debt’ she had owed certainly had to be paid back in folds. Henceforth, he would begin to ‘collect’ his debt from Qiao Nan.

  As expected, when Zhai Hua got up the next morning, she saw Zhai Sheng having breakfast after his morning exercise with a satiated look on his face. “Oh, you can still climb out of your bed?”

  Zhai Hua totally did not expect Zhai Sheng to wake up so early.

  The siblings grew up together. Zhai Hua was certain that Zhai Sheng would not let Qiao Nan off last night.

  Finally, his wife was in his arms. Zhai Hua believed that Zhai Sheng would not show his face for the whole day. He would certainly stick to Qiao Nan in the bedroom so that they could spend their time together.

  Zhai Hua was surprised that Zhai Sheng woke up so early. However, that satisfied look on Zhai Sheng’s face made Zhai Hua feel like punching someone.

  Although Qiao Nan was not present, it was so obvious that Zhai Sheng was brimming with happiness. Did he wish to drown Zhai Hua, who was now single?

  Before she could have her breakfast, Zhai Sheng had forced-fed her with his public display of affection. Looking at the sumptuous spread of breakfast, Zhai Hua lost her appetite suddenly. She was already full.

  \r \r \r

  Miao Jing sat down and looked around. “Nan Nan…… Can she still get up today?”

  “.……” Zhai Sheng said without a change in his expression, “The wedding photoshoot is already over. As for the other wedding preparations, it’s not a must for Nan Nan to be involved. It’s tough on her as she is studying. We’ll let her rest well during the Lunar New Year.”

  “Okay.” Although Zhai Sheng made it sound so pleasant, Miao Jing could only decipher one thing: most likely, Qiao Nan could not get up today. As for the next few days, it was also a huge concern whether Qiao Nan could get up. “Auntie, remember to set aside some breakfast. Don’t let Nan Nan go hungry when she wakes up.”

  “Madam, don’t worry. I have boiled and set aside some nutritious soup for Nan Nan,” the auntie replied with understanding.

  Last night, who in the Zhai family did not know that Zhai Sheng had ‘conquered’ Qiao Nan?

  She knew Zhai Sheng’s ‘appetite’ very well. The auntie had a lot of foresight. She had already prepared nutritious soup for Qiao Nan so that Qiao Nan could supplement her energy lest her health suffer.

  “Pfft!” Zhai Hua spatted out the soy milk in her mouth. “Auntie, you’re good.” She had even prepared the nutritious soup. She had said before. It was not that the auntie was capable. It should be that Zhai Sheng was really ‘capable’.

  Miao Jing passed a piece of tissue to Zhai Hua. “Nan Nan is very shy. When Nan Nan wakes up later, please don’t spout nonsense in front of her.”

  The warning in Miao Jing’s words was obvious. There was nothing bad that Nan Nan and Zhai Sheng could spend more time with each other.

  If the young couple did not spend time together, where would her grandchild come from then?

  Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. Fine. Her mother had been possessed by the devil now because she wanted a grandchild.

  When Qiao Nan really became pregnant, perhaps Qiao Nan even had to give up her place in her mother’s heart to her own child.

  As she thought about this, Zhai Hua felt more balanced at heart.

  She could not win against her sister-in-law but Qiao Nan was squeezed down the ranks by her own child.

  When Qiao Nan woke up, it was already noon. When she came out of the room, she was unable to balance herself and almost fell. Her head was also spinning. “Auntie, what time is it now?”

  There was no clock in Zhai Sheng’s room and Qiao Nan did not have a watch either. She felt muddled after sleeping and did not even know what time it was now.

  At the sight of how Qiao Nan looked, the auntie was amused. She pointed at the clock hanging on the wall so that Qiao Nan could see for herself. This was because she knew that Qiao Nan would definitely feel embarrassed if she were to simply tell Qiao Nan the current time.

  Qiao Nan blinked her eyes and looked at the auntie. “One…… It’s already half past one!”

  “Yes,” the auntie said softly. “Nan Nan, you must be hungry. Take a seat first. No one is at home. I will get you some soup. Don’t let yourself go hungry.”

  Qiao Nan not only missed breakfast but also slept past lunchtime.

  Coupled with the energy-draining ‘exercise’ last night, Qiao Nan could not even remember how much her stomach had grumbled.

  No one from the Zhai family was at home now and she had slept until half past one in the afternoon. Qiao Nan had difficulty lifting her head. It was so embarrassing.

  “Nan Nan, it’s okay. I have been keeping the soup warm for you. The temperature is just right. Quickly drink it.” The auntie was smiling like a chrysanthemum. Miao Jing wanted a grandchild soon. The auntie also wished to help take care of the babies.

  Which of the few families that were close to the Zhai family did not already have a few grandchildren who could run about?

  The Zhai family had fallen behind those families by so much regarding this.

  They could not pin their hopes on Zhai Hua now. Hence, same as Miao Jing, the auntie could only target Qiao Nan’s tummy.

  “Thank you, auntie.” Qiao Nan, who had just woken up, did not feel the enthusiastic eyes that the auntie had on her tummy. She lowered her head and drank the soup abidingly. This was because she was really feeling very hungry, so hungry that she could eat up a whole cow.

  Since the auntie had given her the soup, Qiao Nan would drink it to fill her stomach first.

  After drinking the bowl of soup, Qiao Nan felt more energized. At the sight of the dishes brought out by the auntie, her eyes lit up and she felt her appetite coming. Normally, she would only take one bowl of rice but she took two today.

  When Qiao Nan wanted to request for more, the auntie simply stopped her. “You can’t continue to eat like this. You will spoil your health. You won’t feel stuffed now, but when you drink a little water later and the food swells up in your tummy, you will feel bad.”

  In fact, if Qiao Nan’s action had not been so swift, the auntie would not have allowed her to take a second bowl of rice. It was enough to have an additional half bowl of rice.

  “Okay.” Qiao Nan also felt that she almost had enough. She cooperatively put down her bowl and chopsticks.

  Once Qiao Nan put them down, the auntie cleaned up the table. “Right, there is a computer in Zhai Sheng’s room. There is also an internet connection. You can use it if you need to.”

  “There is a computer at home?’ Qiao Nan flung her head. During the year that she died, cell phones were already very common. However, computers were still very rare. Not every family could have a computer.

  1072 Where to Store the Dowry?

  “Okay, do fiddle with it.” The auntie knew that a computer was rare stuff and she would not use it. She did not dare to touch it either. She was also very careful when she cleaned it.

  The auntie was thinking that, although computers were rare, Qiao Nan would certainly know how to use them as she was a student of Peking University,

  The auntie’s words had aroused Qiao Nan’s curiosity. She seemed to be familiar with the house as she made her way to Zhai Sheng’s study room. The computer desk was now occupying the space that previously had a study table.

  This computer of the Zhai family was completely different from the slim ones that Qiao Nan had seen in her previous life. The screen was huge and the display was white and square, like a big box. The display on the screen was not very big either.

  After exploring for a while, Qiao Nan finally switched on the computer.

  The internet connection for this computer of the Zhai family had already been set up. When Qiao Nan turned it on, it connected to the internet automatically. She thus opened a web page.

  During this time, the internet was certainly not as developed and prevalent as the future. Even if they could surf the web, the information that they could find was very scarce. In comparison to the rich and interesting content in the future whereby one could know what was happening in the world without even stepping out of the house, it was very different.

  To others, the computer was a rare item, but to Qiao Nan, it was nothing spectacular. After a few minutes, Qiao Nan switched off the computer.

  The auntie was looking strangely at Qiao Nan when she walked out of the bedroom.

  Qiao Nan knitted her brows. “Auntie, is there any matter?”

  The auntie sighed and even ground her teeth once. “Your dad is at the entrance, looking for you.” The ‘dad’ that auntie was referring to was of course not Zhai Yaohui. She would usually address Zhai Yaohui as chief.

  “My dad?” Qiao Nan pursed her lips. “Did he say what the matter is?”

  “He said that your sister’s boyfriend is here. The parents of the two families would like to meet one another for a meal. This meal will be held in the small courtyard of the Qiao family.”

  “That means he wants me to go along?” Qiao Nan was disgusted once again.

  Her father was not a bad person. He was a very principled man. However, sorrowfully, each time there was a matter involving Qiao Zijin, her father would completely disregard his principles, as if they were just farts.

  \r \r \r

  “I think so.” The auntie nodded. “I have already asked your father to go home. When he left, he said that you just need to be present for a while during the dinner. That will do.”

  That would do? Although the Qiao family felt that this was fine, they also had to consider if the Zhai family and Qiao Nan felt the same way too.

  “Not going!” Qiao Nan declined without any further word.

  In this lifetime, the people that Qiao Nan did not wish to see most were Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, followed by the Chen family.

  Now, she could finally avoid the people that she did not wish to see most. Why would Qiao Nan create trouble for herself during the Lunar New Year by meeting those people that she did not wish to see?

  The auntie smiled. “If you don’t like it, don’t go then.” She knew that the chief and madam would certainly not force Nan Nan to go. They hated those people of the Qiao family as well.

  Sometimes, when the auntie thought of it, she really took her hat off to the Qiao family.

  The Zhai family of five, including the elder one such as the old master to the young ones such as Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng, liked Qiao Nan so much. They even became in-laws with the Qiao family.

  Everyone says that he that loves the tree loves the branch.

  How did the Qiao family ‘achieve’ this? Although the Zhai family liked Qiao Nan so much, they did not have any positive feelings toward the rest of the people from the Qiao family. They were even full of disdain for them. The Qiao family was also considered capable to be able to ‘achieve’ this.

  “Okay.” Qiao Nan took a sip of chrysanthemum tea to reduce her anger. She did not wish to force herself to go for the dinner at all.

  Her father treated her like a mission. He felt that he had completed his mission and done his part for her after she was married.

  As for herself, she just had to bear the duty of giving her parents allowance. She had never yearned for the luxury of getting along harmoniously with her family members like other families.

  Her father had already handed over his mission. In that case, why would she participate in the matters of the Qiao family?

  After Old Master Zhai finished his round of visits, his old face showed a little embarrassment when he saw his granddaughter-in-law sitting in the living room. He was contemplating whether to hide as he was afraid that she would blush at the sight of him. However, Qiao Nan spoke first, “Grandpa, you’re back.”

  “Cough…… Right. I’m back.” Old Master Zhai gave an awkward cough. He was mumbling in his heart about what to talk to his granddaughter-in-law about. Should he ask her about her studies?

  However, Miao Miao had said before that his granddaughter-in-law was very smart. Besides getting into Peking University, she was also very diligent. Hence, she was definitely doing well in her studies.

  Qiao Nan was so smart. Moreover, his grandson skipped a grade when he was schooling.

  Given this combination, the great-grandson that the two bore for him would be very smart, no? The corners of Old Master Zhai’s lips gave way as he revealed a dreamy smile.

  This child would certainly have the best combination with the greatest brains and strongest body!

  The auntie passed a piece of tissue to Old Master Zhai. “Old master, are you going to drool? Do you feel hungry?”

  Old Master Zhai was suddenly jolted to his senses. He quickly wiped the corners of his mouth with his sleeves and realized that there was nothing there. His old face blushed. “I’m not hungry, just thirsty. Get me a pot of tea.”

  “Alright.” The auntie smiled. He dared not question Old Master Zhai further, lest she provoke his anger.

  When the auntie left, Old Master Zhai then continued to speak, “Nan Nan, the date has already been fixed. It’s the eighth day of Lunar New Year. The eighth day is auspicious and is suitable for marriage. What do you think?”

  “Eighth day? Sounds good.” Qiao Nan nodded. The eighth day would be the day that Brother Zhai would marry her in Ping Cheng.

  One had to know. Both she and Brother Zhai grew up in Ping Cheng. They certainly could not save on the wedding banquet in Ping Cheng regardless of how simple they would like it to be.

  Soon after the wedding banquet in Ping Cheng, the school would reopen.

  Fortunately, Brother Zhai had said. By that time, the Zhai family would have moved over to the capital. As such, she could then collect the wedding certificate with Brother Zhai in the capital.

  Qiao Nan knew that to the Qiao family, she would really become a daughter that belonged to another family on the eighth day of Lunar New Year. She would be akin to spilled water.

  That was a good thing too. This was also considered a form of liberation for the Qiao family and her.

  “If you think that’s fine, we will go ahead with it.” Old Master Zhai was happy. “Right, the old lad of the Zhu family is already helping you arrange the dowry. The items are almost ready. The old lad of the Zhu family asked me to get your opinion. Where do you wish to store the dowry? Do you wish to marry from that small courtyard of yours or the house of the Zhu family?”

  The dowry that Zhu Chengqi prepared for Qiao Nan was aplenty. Both the quantity and quality were high. That small courtyard of Ping Cheng really could not accommodate all the dowry unless they squeezed the items on the empty space of the courtyard.

  The small courtyard was not big enough but the house of the Zhu family was.

  There was also another reason to let Qiao Nan marry from the house of the Zhu family. That was to lift Qiao Nan’s status.

  Once Qiao Nan married from the Zhu family to the Zhai family, the Zhu family would be considered her maternal family in the future.

  Of course, the Zhai family would not look down on Qiao Nan because of the Qiao family.

  1073 Clueless

  Qiao Nan would move to the capital with the Zhai family in the future. By doing this, Zhu Chengqi had prevented the situation of others looking down on Qiao Nan whenever she mentioned her maternal family.

  If Qiao Nan was bullied by others, the Zhai family would naturally stand up for Qiao Nan.

  However, Zhu Chengqi’s approach would not only improve Qiao Nan’s status but also save a lot of trouble. The Zhai family felt that Zhu Chengqi’s plan was quite good.

  Of course, it did not matter what Zhu Chengqi and the Zhai family think. Qiao Nan’s opinion was most important. Zhu Chengqi and the Zhai family valued Qiao Nan’s personal view most.

  Having received great respect from Zhu Chengqi and the Zhai family, Qiao Nan tried her best to smile. “Let me think over this matter.”

  Qiao Nan understood Zhu Chengqi’s good intention.

  Qiao Nan also did not take very long to consider this matter. Very soon, she replied to Zhu Chengqi. She was willing to marry from the house of the Zhu family.

  The situation of the Qiao family was a little special. Whoever knew the Qiao family was aware that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were divorced. Furthermore, Qiao Dongliang left the marriage without receiving any compensation. The house Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan were staying at now was rented.

  Since that was the case, the rented house could not be considered the maternal house of Qiao Nan.

  Qiao Nan had saved the life of Zhu Baoguo, the only grandson of the Zhu family, before. Many people knew about this matter.

  Everyone knew in their hearts why the Zhu family was willing to do this.

  Amidst this, the most interesting factor was that many people were waiting to be in for a good show.

  Ding Jiayi disliked Qiao Nan so much. Besides Ding Jiayi, many people were envious of the Qiao family for having such a pretty, smart, and fortunate daughter like Qiao Nan.

  \r \r \r

  It was a sheer pity that such a good daughter did not belong to their family.

  What about son? If they had such a daughter, that would be because they had accumulated a few lifetimes of good fortune. Why would a son certainly be better than a daughter?

  In particular, those who knew Qiao Nan’s and Qiao Zijin’s characters were happy to watch Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang become jokes. They threw away the watermelon for a lousy sesame seed like Qiao Zijin. Each one was blinder than the other.

  Initially, many people were jealous of the Qiao family because of Qiao Nan. However, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi could not appreciate good stuff. They did not want such a good daughter and pushed her away. In the future, no matter how successful Qiao Nan was, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang would most probably not get to enjoy any good fortune. Many people secretly felt overjoyed at the thought of this.

  It was fine that they did not have any of it from the beginning.

  However, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were already going to lead a good life, yet they pushed it away personally. Were they stupid?

  They were not as blessed but they were much smarter than Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

  Anyone would know that becoming in-laws with the Zhai family was equivalent to gaining a huge achievement in life!

  Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were truly foolish beyond cure.

  Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi did not know about these people’s thoughts. They only knew that the Zhu family specially sent someone to the small courtyard of the Qiao family to inform Qiao Dongliang that on the wedding day, Qiao Nan would be married from the house of the Zhu family.

  Upon hearing these words from the Zhu family, Qiao Dongliang felt very uneasy and humiliated. He felt that his pride was hurt. “Does Nan Nan know about this?” Nan Nan had a father and a mother, a family of her own. Why did she have to marry from another family’s house?

  “Don’t worry. Qiao Nan is aware. She is the one getting married. No matter what, we can’t go against her wishes.” The Zhu family did not mind. Their attitude toward Qiao Dongliang was neither considered good nor polite.

  Qiao Dongliang did not have great wisdom but he was still quite blessed.

  In his previous life, his elder daughter had a sweet-tongue and bitter heart but she married well. This gave Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi face. Ding Jiayi had been used to exploiting Qiao Nan to satisfy Qiao Zijin but was very good to Qiao Dongliang.

  Qiao Nan was the only one who was sacrificed for Qiao Zijin’s wonderful life. Qiao Dongliang did not need to be a slave to satisfy Qiao Zijin’s endless wants. Qiao Nan was the only one who took all the suffering. Besides Qiao Nan, the remaining three members of the Qiao family were, in fact, leading rather good lives.

  In this lifetime, when Qiao Dongliang was hospitalized due to a car accident, Ding Jiayi did not fork out a single cent.

  Nevertheless, Qiao Dongliang had a good daughter. At the important juncture of life and death, Qiao Nan gritted her teeth, borrowed money from Zhai Sheng, and saved Qiao Dongliang’s life.

  Although Qiao Dongliang divorced with Ding Jiayi later on, he resumed interactions with Old Master Lee since Qiao Nan saved Zhu Baoguo’s life. This had also saved the relationship that his elderly father had previously built.

  This matter alone was enough to make Qiao Dongliang happier than he was in his previous life.

  Thereafter, when Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan moved out of the small courtyard of the Qiao family, they received help and support from Principal Meng of Ping Cheng High School. In addition, Zhu Chengqi subsidized them in their living needs. Qiao Dongliang’s life was getting better and better. He had a lot of face too.

  Qiao Dongliang knew the prominent figure that others could not become associated with. The other party even gifted him a huge television and a telephone.

  When humans were used to a good life because of others, they also used less of their brains. When it was really time to use them, naturally, the brains became completely useless.

  Qiao Dongliang could not figure out something that everyone else could.

  Qiao Dongliang kept feeling that his family was in very good ties with the Zhu family. As such, the Zhu family should give him some face. Who would have expected the Zhu family’s chauffeur to speak to him in a manner that was neither warm nor cold?

  Although the other party’s attitude was not especially snobbish, Qiao Dongliang was able to tell that it was a stark contrast with the previous attitude.

  Otherwise, Qiao Dongliang would not feel so upset either.

  “Although that courtyard is rented, it’s fine if they can’t store all the items. We can store them in the house of the Shi family, which is next door.” Qiao Dongliang, who was feeling unhappy, was also daring. He even dared to retort the Zhu family.

  If one house could not accommodate all the items, they would store them in two houses then.

  Given his relationship with Director Shi, certainly Director Shi would not refuse to help with such a small matter?

  He was certain that he still had Shi Peng as a friend who would support him and give him face. He did not need the Zhu family and could still marry his daughter off in a glorious manner. Qiao Dongliang had forgotten that without Qiao Nan, he would not even have a chance to get to know a figure like Shi Peng in this lifetime, next lifetime, or even the lifetime after next. He would not have such a relationship with him.

  He believed that he had everything. However, they were, in fact, brought to him by Qiao Nan.

  This was Qiao Dongliang’s good fortune but also his great misfortune.

  Qiao Dongliang believed that he had face and could not see the truth of the matter. However, it did not mean that others were also bad judges of characters. The person from the Zhu family laughed immediately. “What you said is fine as well. Why don’t you give a call to Director Shi now? When you have a certain answer, you can confirm where to send the dowry of Miss Qiao.”

  “Fine!” The clueless Qiao Dongliang agreed readily without another word.

  1074 Think Too Highly of Herself

  Ding Jiayi, who had been standing by the side and listening, felt the pinch. Qiao Nan was already marrying well. Why did they still have to prepare the dowry? What crappy dowry? In the past, she did not even have new wedding attire when she married Old Qiao.

  Qiao Nan had so many dowries that one courtyard was not enough to accommodate them all. They even had to store them next door. At the thought of this, Ding Jiayi’s expression turned ugly. She very much wished that she could do something to vent her frustration.

  It was not just Ding Jiayi. Even Qiao Zijin, who was proud and cheery today, could not hold her smile.

  Today, Chen Jun brought his parents to the Qiao family’s residence for dinner and was prepared to formally acknowledge his marriage.

  Of course, Father Chen and Mother Chen’s main objective of coming to the small courtyard of the Qiao family was to meet Qiao Nan, who was going to marry into the Zhai family and become the chief’s daughter-in-law soon.

  Once their son married Qiao Zijin, he would immediately become Qiao Nan’s brother-in-law. Even Zhai Sheng had to address their son as brother-in-law when he met him. Their relationship would be very close then!

  The Chen family wished to become associated with the Zhai family. Nevertheless, they did not mind having more connections either. If they could also interact with the Zhu family, that would be better.

  Today, the two families were clearly meeting to discuss Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun’s marriage but the Zhu family appeared. After thinking, Father Chen said, “You didn’t mention it earlier. So, the little niece is getting married. It’s fine that we were not aware of this. We are going to be one family in the future. Since I am aware that she is getting married now, as her uncle, I certainly have to give her some dowry.”

  Didn’t they say that Qiao Nan was going to be married to the Zhai family from the Zhu family?

  When he arranged dowry for Qiao Nan and sent them to the Zhu family’s residence, he would be able to get to know the Zhu family then, no?

  His son had worked hard for so long but only managed to gain Wang Yang’s favor. He did so much but did not gain much in the end. Instead, he suffered a huge loss.

  Wang Yang was just borrowing the glory of the Zhu family. This time, the Chen family could simply cast Wang Yang aside and interact with the Zhu family directly.

  The person from the Zhu family took a glance at Father Chen. He did not respond.

  \r \r \r

  Qiao Dongliang waved his hands continuously. “No, no need. You’re being too polite.”

  Qiao Dongliang had not forgotten that he did not fork out a single cent for the dowry that the Zhu family was referring to.

  His younger daughter was going to be married but he could not provide any dowry. When his elder daughter was getting married, he definitely could not give much either. At most, the situation would only be slightly better.

  In terms of family background, the Qiao family was also considered to have found a better family if Chen Jun were to marry Qiao Zijin.

  Qiao Dongliang could not even present a decent dowry. How dared he allow the Chen family to spend money to add on to Qiao Nan’s dowry?

  He could not help worrying that the Chen family would feel unhappy when his elder daughter did not bring many dowries with her the day she married Chen Jun. Even if he were to sell his blood, he could not arrange a dowry that was on par with that of the Chen family.

  “Why is that so? When Chen Jun marries Zijin, we will all become family. You can also treat us as relatives now. Besides providing dowry, I want to give a large red packet too.” Chen Jun was smiling very happily. Qiao Zijin was not capable but she had a capable younger sister.

  It did not matter that the Qiao family was useless. They would not be shortchanged in this marriage.

  “Comrade Qiao, if there is no other matter, I will go back first. Right, don’t forget to check with Director Shi. Give us a call after you have confirmed the place so that I can get people to send the items to the designated location.” The person from the Zhu family was unwilling to remain at the small courtyard of the Qiao family and waste his time.

  If not for Qiao Nan, the Zhu family would not have the chance to step into the small courtyard of the Qiao family.

  Qiao Dongliang’s expression turned stiff. Although the attitude of the Zhu family was not very friendly, he could not lose his temper either. “It’s been tough on you. Don’t worry. I will give you an answer soon.”

  When the Zhu family left, Qiao Dongliang’s face turned sullen.

  Qiao Dongliang had not forgotten that when he brought Qiao Nan to the Zhu family’s residence for a meal three years ago, the hosts of the Zhu family were very polite to him, not to mention the people hired by them.

  This chauffeur was just someone that the Zhu family paid to hire but his tone was smug and his attitude bad.

  Fortunately, he was not someone petty. Otherwise, if he were to reflect this situation to Zhu Chengqi or Old Master Zhu, this chauffeur would certainly have to scram and go home.

  Having been a couple for so many years, Ding Jiayi also had the same thoughts. “Old Qiao, isn’t he just a chauffeur of the Zhu family? Why is his attitude so bad? If you have a chance next time, you can reflect this situation to the Zhu family. He is going embarrass the Zhu family and get them into trouble.”

  “Sister Ding, this doesn’t sound right.” Mother Chen took a deep breath. “It’s not a big deal. Why do you need to take issue with them? Who doesn’t want to have a job and earn money? Why don’t we turn big problems into small ones and small problems into nothing? We can give others convenience and also save some face for ourselves.”

  Yes, the other party was just a chauffeur, but he was the chauffeur of the Zhu family.

  Even a small fly is considered a high-ranking official if they serve the prime minister.

  This reasoning made sense be it in the ancient or current times.

  Ding Jiayi sounded so bold and righteous when she said that she wanted to teach that chauffeur a lesson. However, Mother Chen knew the situation in her heart.

  The problem was that if Ding Jiayi were to go the Zhu family’s residence now, she dared to guarantee that Ding Jiayi might not even be able to touch the main door, let alone complain about that driver to Elder Zhu or Zhu Chengqi.

  Toward this in-law that thought too highly of herself, Mother Chen had not heard any less about her from her son.

  Was it because all of the good traits in the Qiao family had gathered on Qiao Nan?

  Qiao Nan was not only smart but also very lucky.

  On the contrary, the other three members of the Qiao family were not very clever. In addition, they refused to heed advice and did not know their own limits.

  If the Qiao family members were slightly smarter, the Chen family would not even stand a chance to take advantage of this bargain.

  After hearing her son’s words, Mother Chen had been mentally prepared. Although she was aware of the situation, she was still affected when she personally encountered the clueless Ding Jiayi.

  Mother Chen looked at Chen Jun in trepidation. Son, given the intelligence of this family of three, are you certain that they could help the Chen family and not drag us down?

  Mother Chen kept feeling that her son’s life would not be as smooth as he imagined it to be if he were to marry Qiao Zijin. The most sorrowful thing was that the greatest trouble would not come from others but these three clueless members of the Qiao family.

  “He is just a lousy chauffeur. Why do we have to give him face? In ancient times, people like him were called slaves!” Ding Jiayi’s face was full of disdain for the other party. In her mind, she could see the image of the slaves commonly seen in the television who would bend and kneel to their masters.

  “Old Ding!” Qiao Dongliang reprimanded Ding Jiayi loudly. “Whether he is a slave or not, it does not have anything to do with our family. You’re not the one who pays him. On what grounds are you looking down on other people?”

  “Phew……” Having heard Qiao Dongliang’s words, the Chen family of three secretly heaved sighs of relief.

  If Qiao Dongliang was the same as Ding Jiayi whereby the brains were purely for decoration, they would have to think twice about the marriage between Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin.

  1075 Start from the Shi Family

  “Mom.” Qiao Zijin pulled at Ding Jiayi, stopping her from creating trouble for her.

  Ding Jiayi pouted unhappily.

  Ding Jiayi had been too smug in front of the Chen family. She was thinking of showing off to the Chen family, telling them that the Qiao family had a high social status as well.

  When Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun in the future, the Chen family must not bully Qiao Zijin.

  Since the man from the Zhu family had left, Ding Jiayi could say whatever she wanted. No one would expose her lies. She could brag as she liked at her house.

  Ding Jiayi wanted to brag about her social status, but the Chen family who knew the truth did not give her the chance to do that.

  “Brother Qiao, are you close to Director Shi?” Father Chen tried to steer the conversation back to his intended topic—Director Shi. It was because of Director Shi that Ping Cheng became a well-developed city over the past few years.

  Many people had been discussing Director Shi.

  They said that Director Shi would be due for promotion.

  Perhaps Director Shi would be a very important figure in Ping Cheng.

  Father Chen wanted nothing but to be on good terms with him.

  Now that he could make use of the relationship with the Qiao family to be close to Director Shi, Father Chen would not miss such a golden chance. “One can’t say clearly as to where to place Qiao Nan’s dowry over the phone. Besides, it would be insincere. Since the Lunar New Year is not over yet and the government sector is not as busy, and they have not resumed work officially, why don’t we go to the Shi family’s residence to discuss with them face-to-face?”

  Mother Chen glanced at Father Chen. Would that be too obvious and seem hurried?

  Father Chen smiled confidently. Mother Chen did not need to worry.

  If it was some other family, he would definitely have to spend some time and effort, biding his time. But he knew the three people in the Qiao family inside out. There was nothing to worry about.

  \r \r \r

  Chen Jun had made it very clear. Apart from Qiao Nan, the three people in the Qiao family were not very smart.

  There was no need for them to say any pleasantries, lest the Qiao family mistake them as real.

  Father Chen was fearless in making use of the Qiao family to be on close terms with the influential people.

  He was certain that the Qiao family would not lose their temper because of what he did. They might not even figure out his real intentions.

  It was for this reason that they wanted to be close to the Qiao family, who was poor.

  Otherwise, the Chen family would not want to maintain a cordial relationship with them.

  Qiao Dongliang was hesitant. “This…… may not be very convenient.”

  As Shi Peng’s neighbor, Qiao Dongliang had seen many cases where other people paid a visit to the Shi family’s residence during the Lunar New Year and even brought with them a lot of presents only to be turned down.

  Shi Peng was very clear about what was right and what was wrong. He would never accept gifts from others and would not allow them to worm their way into being friends with him.

  This matter could have easily been settled between Shi Peng and him. It would be impolite if everyone went with him.

  Qiao Zijin’s countenance changed. She tugged at Chen Jun’s hand. “Aren’t we discussing our wedding? Don’t go overboard!”

  Chen Jun gave Qiao Zijin a cold stare. “If the Chen family does well, you will have a better life in the future. Whatever that is good for the Chen family is good for you. You should not be throwing your tantrums now.”

  Chen Jun wanted to go to the Shi family’s residence to get to know Shi Peng.

  Right now, his career was in Ping Cheng. It would take more than twenty years for him to carve his career in the capital. It was not something that could be achieved overnight.

  Chen Jun was ambitious, but he knew he had to take it step by step.

  He might not be able to go to the capital right now, but he was able to get close to Shi Peng.

  The problem was……

  “Dad, Mom, didn’t you have a dinner appointment with Qiao Nan tonight?” If they went to the Shi family’s residence now, they would not be able to rush back in time for the dinner appointment with Qiao Nan. It was a chance to be on closer terms with her.

  If Qiao Nan was close to Qiao Zijin, it was alright for Qiao Nan to wait for them.

  But the problem was they were not on good terms. It was more important to be on close terms with Qiao Nan than to create an impression on Shi Peng.

  There was a glitter in Father Chen’s eyes. “Will Qiao Nan be back for dinner tonight?”

  Qiao Dongliang sent word to the Zhai family’s residence ages ago, but Qiao Nan did not give him a reply.

  “She will not dare to miss the dinner!” Ding Jiayi puffed her chest in front of the Chen couple. She was as proud as a peacock. “She will definitely be here. If you want to go to the Shi family’s residence, go ahead. Even if we are late, she has no choice but to wait for us. All of us are her seniors. She has to wait for us to have dinner.”

  Ding Jiayi might not admit that Qiao Nan was outstanding, but she knew that she must make use of Qiao Nan for the Chen family to have a good impression of Qiao Zijin.

  She had to prove that she could control Qiao Nan and make her listen to her. In that case, the Chen family would think that Qiao Nan was on close terms with them and it would be easier for Qiao Zijin to marry Chen Jun. After her marriage, the Chen family would not dare to shortchange her as well.

  Therefore, no matter what, she had to show that she was in charge in front of the Chen family.

  The Chen couple stared at each other in silence. They had no idea whether to believe Ding Jiayi or not.

  It would be best if things were as simple as what Ding Jiayi had made it to be.

  “Hey, my in-laws, hesitate no more. Work is more important. Qiao Nan is my daughter. She will definitely listen to me. We have to prioritize. Nothing will go wrong.” It was just a dinner. She was Qiao Nan’s mother. She did not believe that Qiao Nan would not listen to her!

  Father Chen looked at Qiao Dongliang. “Is it convenient to talk to Director Shi now? Should we make a phone call first?” How about an appointment?

  “Not……” Qiao Dongliang was about to say that it was inconvenient, but Ding Jiayi interrupted him. “Of course it is convenient. There is no need to make a phone call. It is a waste of money. My in-laws, you may not know, but Director Shi has a good relationship with Old Qiao. They have meals often. Director Shi spent the Lunar New Year and had a reunion dinner with Old Qiao in the past few years.”

  They were very close to each other.

  Father Chen smiled. “In that case, Chen Jun, drive the car over.”

  “Sure, Dad.” Chen Jun looked at everyone present before he said, “The car can only fit five people.”

  Ding Jiayi smiled. “Chen Jun, thank you for asking. I will stay behind to prepare the dinner. After your chat, you can come back to have your dinner.”

  “If not, I will……” Qiao Zijin decided to stay behind with her mother.

  “Zijin, come with me over here for a moment. It is the Lunar New Year, how can you go empty-handed to visit Uncle Shi?”


  1076 Denied Entry

  “I’m going to get you some fruits. You can bring it with you.” Ding Jiayi pulled Qiao Zijin to a side to talk. “You have to go.”

  This was a good opportunity. If Zijin went with them and the Chen family was able to leave a good impression on Director Shi, Zijin would be able to take credit for it. The Chen family would remember that it was she who helped them.

  Qiao Zijin stomped her feet awkwardly. “Why me? I-I don’t even know Director Shi!”

  She knew it was for the same reason that her mother was willing to stay behind.

  It would be so embarrassing if Director Shi said that he did not know her and ignored her in front of the Chen family.

  “What a fool. Your dad will be there as well. When you reach the Shi family’s residence, you can remain silent. All you have to do is to trail behind your dad or Chen Jun. Leave it to your dad to get close with him.”

  “Will this work?”

  “Of course it will. Why not? I heard that Director Shi has a daughter about the same age as Qiao Nan. If you feel embarrassed to talk to Director Shi, you can mingle with the young lady. If you are on good terms with her, you will definitely be close to her father as well.” Ding Jiayi had planned everything for Qiao Zijin.

  Qiao Zijin thought about it but shook her head. “No, this won’t do. I know about Director Shi’s daughter. She is very close with Qiao Nan. Do you think she will like me with Qiao Nan around? I don’t want to court a rebuff and to make a fool of myself in front of the Chen family.”

  “Well……” Ding Jiayi thought hard about it and grabbed Qiao Zijin’s hands. “There is a way. I will look for Qiao Nan right after all of you have left for the Shi family’s residence. Since that wretched girl is on close terms with that young lady, I will tell that wretched girl to call the young lady so that she will treat you well. You can rest assured. I will find a way for the Chen family to treat you like the empress.”

  “Will Qiao Nan listen to you?”

  “She will definitely listen to me. Trust me.”

  Actually, Qiao Zijin did not trust her mother. Qiao Nan no longer listened to her words.

  \r \r \r

  Perhaps they had been apart for quite some time and Ding Jiayi sounded very confident. Qiao Zijin decided to believe her. In the end, she got in the car and went with the Chen family to the Shi family’s residence.

  Qiao Nan, who was preparing for her wedding at the Zhai family’s residence, had no idea that she had been targeted even though she had been at home all the while.

  By the time Qiao Nan vaguely heard a commotion at the entrance of the Zhai family’s residence, other people at the Zhai family’s residence were aware of the commotion as well. Miao Jing knitted her brows. “What is going on outside? Who is creating a commotion?” Who dared to create trouble for the Zhai family during the Lunar New Year?

  The auntie seemed to be in a difficult position. She gave Qiao Nan an awkward glance.

  Qiao Nan’s expression darkened. “Is it my dad, my mom, or Qiao Zijin? No, it should be my mom, right?”

  “Yes,” the auntie replied. “She has something to talk to you. She is being stopped by the guards at the door.”

  “No way!” An angry Miao Jing refused Ding Jiayi’s request on behalf of Qiao Nan. “She must be up to no good. Since she does not feel shameful, she can go ahead to create a din. Everyone in the quad knows the person she is.”

  Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan’s hands. “It’s nothing serious.”

  Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. Something bad would definitely come out of it.

  Even if the whole world knew the person that her mother was, there were still people who wanted to watch the show. “You are right to hold the wedding banquet as soon as possible.”

  After the wedding banquet, the Zhai family would go to the capital.

  The Qiao family would be able to enter the quad in Ping Cheng.

  But when the Zhai family was in the quad in the capital, the Qiao family would not be able to create a commotion like today.

  No one in the Zhai family said anything about Ding Jiayi’s behavior. They were busy with whatever they were doing. Old Master Zhai even went out from the back door and went to look for his friends. He did not make any comments about the Qiao family. After all, he knew about the Qiao family’s situation right from the start.

  His heart ached that his granddaughter-in-law had such an unreliable mother. He knew that she would be a trouble now that she was the Zhai family’s in-laws.

  Ding Jiayi told Qiao Zijin with full confidence that she would make Qiao Nan listen to her. She was sure that Qiao Nan would tell Shi Qing to be nice to Qiao Zijin and Qiao Zijin would then be able to hold her head high in front of the Chen family.

  She had already made the promise. However, Ding Jiayi did not expect that Qiao Nan would be so heartless and ignore her.

  She thought that Qiao Nan would be mindful of keeping up appearances in front of her in-laws. She would not want things to be blown up and to embarrass herself in front of them. Not only would Qiao Nan come out to meet her, but she would even agree to all her requests.

  If Qiao Nan did not agree, she would make things difficult for her so that the Zhai family would find her troublesome and call off the wedding.

  Ding Jiayi’s intention was for Qiao Zijin to hold her head high in front of the Chen family, but she wanted to do it at the expense of Qiao Nan.

  She might have it all planned out, but Qiao Nan could not be bothered with her. All her plans were in vain.

  Ding Jiayi kept on kicking up a fuss at the entrance to the Zhai family’s residence. The soldiers who stood on guard seemed oblivious to her shouts. They gave her disdainful stares and refused her entry.

  There was tight security in the quad.

  The entire quad was divided into two major sections. The important figures such as the Zhai family, the Zhu family, and the Lee family stayed in the area facing the sun, while the rest of the people stayed in the northern part of the quad.

  Two soldiers stood guard at the southern entrance.

  There was a distance from the guard post to the Zhai family’s residence.

  If Ding Jiayi did not raise her voice and create a commotion, no one in the quad would be able to make out what she was saying.

  Ding Jiayi’s throat was parched and hoarse in no time. She was close to losing her voice. “That wretched girl is so heartless. How can she refuse to listen to her mom!”

  Ding Jiayi knew that the Chen family might have already met the Shi family. Ding Jiayi felt all the more anxious that she had yet to talk to Qiao Nan. “I won’t make a commotion anymore. Can you pass a message to my daughter, telling her to meet me outside?”

  “No.” The soldier rejected her request without another word.

  Ding Jiayi rolled her eyes in anger. “Everyone in the quad knows that my younger daughter is marrying Zhai Sheng soon. She will become the Zhai family’s daughter-in-law. I am the Zhai family’s in-laws. How can you stop me from entering?”

  In fact, Ding Jiayi had intended to stride into the Zhai family’s residence. She was their in-laws. She had the right to go to their house. No one could stop her from doing so.

  1077 I Am On Good Terms with Director Shi

  Now that the two soldiers stopped her from entering the house, Ding Jiayi felt anger rising within her. She resorted to kicking up a fuss to get Qiao Nan to come out of the house.

  “Even so, you are not allowed entry.”

  Ding Jiayi, who was denied entry, saw red. She paced around in circles, not knowing what to do. She stomped her feet and made a move to dash into the house.

  The two soldiers saw what she was doing. They stretched out their hands to stop her from entering.

  There was no way that the old lady could bypass them to enter the house. If they could not even stop an old lady from entering the house, Regiment Commander Zhai would definitely kick them out of the army. The woman must be out of her mind.

  “You……” Ding Jiayi’s eyes turned red. She ground her teeth and turned to walk in the direction toward her house. She seemed to have given up.

  Ding Jiayi might have it all planned out, but Qiao Nan chose to ignore her. After creating a commotion, Ding Jiayi felt that her throat had turned hoarse from the shouts. Despite all this, Ding Jiayi did not even manage to see Qiao Nan, let alone for her to agree to her requests.

  Ding Jiayi was not the only one who was faced with setbacks, the Chen family, who went with Qiao Dongliang to the Shi family’s residence, did not fare any better. In fact, they were in an even more awkward situation than her.

  Feng Cheng spent the Lunar New Year with her husband and daughter. She had yet to return to the capital and still stayed with them in Ping Cheng.

  Feng Cheng was just an ordinary woman. Previously, she had been staying in the capital, but she did not have any commitments there. Now that she came to Ping Cheng, she had no intention of leaving. She had to stop outsiders from deceiving her husband and her daughter.

  Feng Cheng was very unhappy that Shi Qing refused to listen to her and was very close to Qiao Nan.

  Feng Cheng knew that her parents’ family thought highly of her daughter. Therefore, she decided to stay in Ping Cheng this year and work on her relationship with her husband and daughter.

  She believed that she was more important to her daughter than an outsider and that her daughter would listen to her words.

  \r \r \r

  Feng Cheng sneered when she knew that Qiao Nan’s father came looking for them. “I am sorry, but I don’t know you. Shi Peng has gone to work. He is not at home.”

  Feng Cheng did not make any harsh comments, but she was not very polite to the guests.

  “That is impossible. Director Shi does not need to go to work today. He should be at home.” Qiao Dongliang had spent several Lunar New Years with the Shi family. He was very clear of Director Shi’s work schedule. “Sister-in-law, I have something to discuss with Director Shi.”

  “Something to discuss?” Feng Cheng smiled. “What is it? Tell me about it.”

  “.……” Qiao Dongliang was not close with Feng Cheng. Besides, he was here to discuss where he should place Qiao Nan’s dowry. Qiao Dongliang was at a loss for words. “Sister-in-law, do we have any misunderstanding?”

  From his experience of dealing with people, Qiao Dongliang could tell from Feng Cheng’s indifferent attitude that there must be some misunderstanding.

  “How could there be any misunderstanding?” Feng Cheng said coldly. “Is Qiao Nan your daughter?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then, there is no misunderstanding.” A crooked stick would have a crooked shadow. How could he seek help from Shi Peng regarding his own family matters? He was trying to take advantage of them. Qiao Nan behaved in the same way as her father. She would always take advantage of Qing Qing.

  Qiao Zijin suppressed her smile. She leaned toward Chen Jun and whispered. “Look, I have already told you that Qiao Nan tends to offend many people with that attitude of hers.”

  Until now, she could not understand why the Lee family, the Zhu family, and the Zhai family felt that Qiao Nan was a good lady and doted on her.

  Instead, Shi Qing’s mother was a good judge of people. She could tell that Qiao Nan was not a good person. “Because of Qiao Nan, the relationship between my dad and Director Shi may turn sour.”

  Chen Jun sneered. “Contain that smile of yours when you are complaining about other people. It is too obvious. Also, you’d better shut up. Whatever you want to say can wait. I will not lose my temper here, but don’t ask for trouble.”

  Unlike his parents, Chen Jun understood the situation in the Qiao family very well. He would not be fooled by the current situation or be misled by Qiao Zijin’s words.

  “We are busy. I will not invite you in. Goodbye.” Feng Cheng did not know what was going on between the Chen family and the Qiao family. She only acted according to how she felt. She slammed the door on her visitors.

  As soon as the door was closed, Shi Peng’s and Shi Qing’s voices could be heard from the house. The five people who stood outside the door were thoroughly embarrassed.

  Qiao Dongliang felt like covering his face with his hands and wanted to leave as quickly as possible. “Sister-in-law does not seem to have a good temper. She might be in a bad mood today.”

  Father Chen had been through many similar situations. He looked calm and unaffected. “This is very common for women. It seems that Director Shi is busy today. Let’s go back to the quad.”

  True enough, it was not that easy to get to know Director Shi.

  He heard that Director Shi had a good relationship with the Qiao family, but it did not seem like it at all.

  “Uncle Qiao, let’s go back.” Chen Jun changed the topic, putting aside the fact that the Shi family refused to see them. “Auntie must have prepared the dinner. We will be in time for dinner when we go back.”

  “That’s right. It is cold nowadays. We should not leave the dishes to turn cold.” Mother Chen was unhappy. They were thwarted at the very beginning. They failed in getting to know Director Shi and were thoroughly embarrassed.

  Nevertheless, she was mindful of her husband and son.

  Since they seemed to be unaffected and were polite toward Qiao Dongliang, she stifled her anger and pretended to be polite and warm toward Qiao Dongliang. She was almost close to addressing him as ‘in-law’.

  Since the Chen family did not make any ugly comments, Qiao Dongliang, who was very embarrassed by what had happened just now, felt slightly better.

  He got in Chen Jun’s car and said, “I have only seen Director Shi and Qing Qing around in the past few years. This is my first time seeing his wife. I suppose I will have to make an appointment with Director Shi to discuss Nan Nan’s dowry.”

  “I see.” Father Chen nodded. He had heard about the Shi family’s situation.

  The business dealings between people in the government were simple. There were about money and women.

  In particular, for people like Shi Peng whose wife was not by his side and his daughter was studying in another city, it was easier to ask him a favor by recommending women to a lonely man like him.

  Father Chen had tried this method in the past, but all the women that he recommended were rejected by Shi Peng and he even taught them some lessons. He then gave up on this approach.

  “Brother Qiao, are you in frequent contact with Director Shi?”

  Qiao Zijin, who sat at the back, clenched her fists anxiously. She hoped that her father would be smart and would not say the wrong words in front of the Chen family.

  1078 Don’t Spread It to Me

  Regarding this, Qiao Zijin’s worries were unfounded. Qiao Dongliang felt good about himself when he said, “Director Shi is busy and he doesn’t know how to cook. In particular, when Nan Nan and Shi Qing were in their third year of high school studies, most of Director Shi’s dinners were settled at our house.”

  In other words, Qiao Dongliang had prepared dinners for Shi Peng for three years. Were they considered on good terms then?

  When he heard that, Father Chen’s expression looked much better. Qiao Zijin even exaggeratedly heaved a sigh of relief.

  Director Shi was such a smart person. Of course, his thoughts would not be controlled by a woman. It would suffice as long as Qiao Dongliang was on good terms with Director Shi. As for that wife of Director Shi, it did not matter.

  Finally, they could become associated with Director Shi. It would be great if they could also gain his wife’s favor. If that could not happen, they certainly had to focus on attacking and taking down the main party concerned, Shi Peng. This was the most important matter.

  As soon as Qiao Dongliang ‘placed all his cards on the table’, the awkwardness of being rejected by Feng Cheng at door earlier disappeared in a moment. The two families then happily returned to the small courtyard of the Qiao family.

  When she heard sounds of movements, Ding Jiayi walked out. She finally let down her worries when she found that the two families were getting along fine.

  She snorted. What was the big deal if that wretched girl refused to help? Didn’t this matter also become successful without that wretched girl?

  “Mom, has Nan Nan arrived?” The matter about the Shi family was considered neither successful nor unsuccessful. Suddenly, Qiao Zijin thought of Qiao Nan, her younger sister.

  Ding Jiayi rolled her eyes unhappily. “If she is coming, will I still be so busy in the kitchen?”

  “Mom, why did your voice become like that?” Qiao Zijin was shocked. “Weren’t you well earlier? Did you catch a cold?”

  Having said that, Qiao Zijin immediately withdrew her hand that Ding Jiayi was currently holding on to. She even distanced herself from Ding Jiayi lest she become infected by the latter.

  \r \r \r

  In the past, Qiao Zijin had heard her classmate’s voice become hoarse all of a sudden because of a viral cold. Moreover, this kind of cold was very contagious.

  It was the Lunar New Year. Qiao Zijin did not wish to fall sick. It would be bad luck.

  When Qiao Zijin behaved like that, everyone present was stunned. Of course, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi reacted most strongly and they felt most upset.

  As she sensed that her action was probably inappropriate, Qiao Zijin blushed. She then turned and quickly ran into the house. In a while, she came out. “Mom, here’s the cold medicine. Quickly take them with water now. If it’s not effective, we can go to the hospital. The earlier you seek treatment, the better.”

  “Aye, okay.” When the gloomy Ding Jiayi saw Qiao Zijin bring over the medicine and water, her cold heart turned warm immediately. “Don’t worry. My health is very good. I won’t catch a cold.”

  Ding Jiayi clearly knew that her voice was hoarse due to too much shouting. Nevertheless, she could feel her daughter’s concern. She treated the cold medicine that her daughter brought over as a supplement. She swallowed them with plain water.

  At the sight of Ding Jiayi taking the medicine, Qiao Zijin heaved a sigh of relief. She knew that she had managed to ‘cover up’ the mistake that she had just committed.

  Both the Qiao family and the Chen family had been paying attention to Qiao Nan’s action all the time. However, Qiao Nan could not be bothered about these two families until she received Shi Qing’s phone call. “Oh, that’s what happened.”

  Shi Qing took a glance at her biological mother before she lowered her voice and said to Qiao Nan, “Qiao Nan, what is happening to Uncle Qiao? Don’t tell me his intelligence simply became out of service without you by his side?”

  “Most likely, my dad’s intelligence has always been out of service. It’s just that he has owed too many fees recently. The phone service is really going to cease soon,” Qiao Nan said jokingly.

  Shi Qing sighed. “Are you still in the mood to joke? What exactly are your thoughts? Given our relationship, if you really have such intentions, it’s easy to settle the place. Your house is small and my house is big. You may as well marry from my house. That will do also.”

  “No, I have already agreed with Uncle Zhu. I will marry into the Zhai family from the Zhu family’s residence. I am grateful for your good intention. As for my dad, Director Shi and you don’t need to care about what he says. You can just ignore him.” If she were to really marry from the Shi family’s residence, it would be too much of a slap in the face.

  Although Qiao Nan did not wish to bother about Qiao Dongliang, she had never thought of making him lose all his face.

  “Fine, we’ll do that then,” Shi Qing said.

  Today, when Qiao Dongliang brought the Chen family here to look for Shi Peng, both father and daughter heard him since they were at home. They were just unwilling to come out to ‘entertain’ him.

  Otherwise, why would Feng Cheng have the chance to open the door for Qiao Dongliang?

  Qiao Dongliang was too simple-minded. He treated the relationship between Shi Peng and the Qiao family as a personal one. As the other party concerned, Shi Peng did not have the same thoughts.

  After talking to Qiao Nan, Shi Qing hung up the phone and told Shi Peng about Qiao Nan’s intention. “Dad, these are Qiao Nan’s thoughts. In the future, no matter what Uncle Qiao says, you just need to disagree. Also, Dad, don’t ever let the Chen family enter our door. I hate the Chen family!”

  “Why?” Feng Cheng looked at Shi Qing curiously.

  Initially, Feng Cheng refused to accept the Chen family because of Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan.

  When she heard that Qiao Nan had a conflict with Qiao Dongliang and did not wish to come into contact with the Chen family, Feng Cheng was interested to know the situation.

  “No particular reason.” Shi Qing did not tell Feng Cheng the truth. “Dad, you know, right?”

  “I know.” Shi Peng sneered as he nodded.

  In the past, there were hiccups when Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were taking the college entrance examination. They nearly missed the examination as they were held up outside the school. Chen Jun was the mastermind of that incident. Shi Peng was aware of it.

  If Zhai Sheng had not acted swiftly and viciously and kicked Father Chen out of the police headquarters, Shi Peng also wanted to take revenge on the Chen family.

  The two families were enemies. It would be strange if Shi Peng would be friendly to the Chen family and give them convenience.

  As he was well aware of his wife’s character, Shi Peng reminded her. “Feng Cheng, don’t interfere in the matters of the Chen family. This is Ping Cheng and not the capital. If I know that you are in contact with any of the Chen family members, don’t blame me for being unruly.”

  His wife could be naive and simple. She could hide behind his back all the time. He was willing to take on anything for her.

  The problem was that his wife clearly did not have the capability but she had to act smart and do some foolish things. Shi Peng would not be so good-tempered then. “Feng Cheng, you have to remember. Qing Qing and I are the most important people in your life. If you can’t figure this out clearly…… Feng Cheng, I don’t wish our marriage to end up in a divorce.”

  This was a marriage that was filled with schemes and ploys. It was not easy for Shi Peng to be able to persist until today.

  Shi Peng was aware that both he and Feng Cheng were considered people who had been abandoned by their families. They were in the same plight. He was thus very patient with Feng Cheng.

  However, everyone had a tolerance level. Feng Cheng was already of this age. She should ‘grow up’ a little.

  1079 Spent a Bomb

  If Feng Cheng was still clueless and were to do something inappropriate to add on to his troubles, Shi Peng was reluctant to continue to tolerate it.

  “Shi Peng, what do you mean? Do you want to divorce me?” The couple had been living in separate places for so many years. Feng Cheng felt that she had always been a good wife and had never done anything that let Shi Peng down. She had also never thought of getting a divorce.

  To her surprise, Shi Peng dared to voice out something that she had not even thought about. “Shi Peng, confess honestly. I’ve not been by your side for such a long time. Are you seeing someone else outside?”

  “.……”

  “.……”

  Even Shi Qing frowned, failing to comprehend this, let alone Shi Peng. “Mom, what nonsense are you talking about? Dad is not that kind of person. Why would he do such a thing? Dad, you should know Mom’s temper too. You are aware that Mom has a one-track mind. Be patient when you tell her things. If she doesn’t get it, just keep a watch on her. Why did you have to say such things? Aren’t you afraid that Mom may create a greater disaster when you provoke her?”

  Shi Peng was quite angry earlier but he smiled when he heard Shi Qing’s slick words. “Oh, you’ve improved.”

  “Of course!” Shi Qing said proudly. “Do you think I have been wasting my time at PLA National Defence University during the past six months? You have to know. Although I entered PLA National Defence University later, I am still an outstanding student.” When she mentioned this, Shi Qing’s chin lifted even more.

  In terms of devising ploys and strategies, Shi Qing and Feng Cheng’s relationship was reversed. Shi Qing was Feng Cheng’s ‘senior’.

  Now, Shi Qing was able to understand the arrangements and ploys that the Feng family had for Feng Cheng.

  In Shi Qing’s opinion, Feng Cheng had lived most of her life in a muddleheaded way. Furthermore, the Feng family’s education of Feng Cheng was too successful. It would not be easy to correct Feng Cheng.

  \r \r \r

  Instead of making everyone suffer whereby the outcome might not be good, they might as well allow Feng Cheng to maintain her current state.

  Her mother was clueless about everything. Nevertheless, wasn’t she simple and happy?

  As long as her mother felt that she was having a good life, it did not matter what the truth was.

  In short, similar to the Feng family, Shi Peng was willing to continue to ‘dote’ on Feng Cheng so that she will always be simple and happy.

  “Qing Qing, is that how you talk to Mom?” No matter how simple Feng Cheng was, she could tell that her daughter was underestimating her.

  Shi Qing sat beside Feng Cheng and hugged her arms. “Mom, don’t get angry. Didn’t grandpa and grandma always teach you that these are all men’s matters? You just have to let Dad handle them. Won’t that do? Mom, didn’t you say that you will stay in Ping Cheng this year to keep Dad and me company? Why don’t we do this? Tomorrow, I will go shopping for recipe books. When you are not around, Dad doesn’t take his meals regularly. His health suffers easily. With you around, Dad will have a health housekeeper. You can feed him until he is fair and chubby.”

  If she did not assign something for her mother to do, the latter’s thoughts might go astray.

  “This matter……” To Feng Cheng, who did not have the habit of doing household chores at all, taking care of Shi Peng’s daily three meals was still an arduous and major task. She had to learn everything from scratch. Fortunately, Feng Cheng still remembered that she was Shi Peng’s wife. “Fine. In the future, I will take care of your dad by his side. I will definitely nourish his health.”

  Shi Qing’s eyes swirled with thoughts. “Mom, reading culinary books won’t take up too much of your time. Besides preparing meals, what are you going to do? It is too boring to be alone. Why don’t we ask Dad to find some easy jobs for you to do?”

  “You want me to go out and work?” Feng Cheng, who had never cooked before in her entire life, had just decided that she was willing to try to be a good and virtuous wife. Now, her daughter gave another suggestion that had never come to her mind before.

  Shi Peng glanced at Shi Qing. He was well aware of his daughter’s thoughts. He then sang the same tune as Shi Qing. “Qing Qing is right. It is already the 21st century. When Chairman Mao was alive, he said that women can hold up half the sky and become very successful too. It is also a new experience for you to take on a job. Of course, if you feel that it is not suitable for you or you are not used to it, you can always stop working.”

  Shi Qing held on to Feng Cheng’s arm affectionately. “Dad, you have to find a relaxing job for Mom. She has not worked before in her whole life. I just want her to experience life. I don’t approve of her doing something too arduous. What if it tires her out?”

  Shi Qing did not mention that Feng Cheng did not have the skills to take on difficult jobs. She only said that her heart would ache for Feng Cheng if it was too tiring for the latter. Feng Cheng felt so loved by Shi Qing’s caring manners. “Qing Qing, don’t worry. Mom is not so useless. Whether the job is easy or not, as long as I am determined to do it, I don’t need your dad to take care of me.”

  Fine. Since Qing Qing had suggested that she take on a job, she would give it a try then.

  For the past twenty years, Feng Cheng had been staying at home with the Shi family. Thereafter, she had been cooping herself in the house of the Feng family. Although she would occasionally participate in some cocktail parties, she was spending less and less time on these events as her husband was not by her side.

  She had been staying at home all the time. Feng Cheng had long felt that she was going to turn moldy.

  Otherwise, she would not have strongly requested to come to Ping Cheng to keep her husband company. She could also see her daughter occasionally then.

  Feng Cheng was already thinking of changing her current way of life. Hence, there was no reason for her to reject her daughter’s suggestion.

  As soon as they talked about working, Feng Cheng was smiling and considering the kinds of jobs that could be suitable for her. As for the Chen family’s situation, she had completely forgotten about it and put it behind her.

  After successfully diverting Feng Cheng’s attention, Shi Qing stretched out her two fingers and showed Shi Peng a sign of victory.

  Shi Peng smiled and glared at Shi Qing to remind her not to be overly smug, in case Feng Cheng discovered any loopholes.

  If that were to happen, they would not be able to appease Feng Cheng as easily.

  “I have so many dowries? Isn’t Uncle Zhu exaggerating?” On the other hand, Qiao Nan had received the list of dowry that Zhu Chengqi had prepared for her.

  At the sight of the list of dowry and the long string of words, Qiao Nan was wide-eyed and tongue-tied.

  The list of dowry could be described as…… as comprehensive as it could get?

  Zhai Hua stretched her neck and took a glance. “How can the Zhu family make a mistake on this? I really can’t tell…… The Zhu family spent a bomb on you. They really treat you as their biological daughter.”

  Even a person like Zhai Hua felt marveled when she saw the list of dowry from the Zhu family. She was astonished at the generosity of the Zhu family. At the same time, she was also a little envious of Qiao Nan’s good fortune.

  Although Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi, this pair of biological parents, were extremely unreliable, they could not stop good fortune from befalling Qiao Nan. Someone was not only willing to acknowledge Qiao Nan as a goddaughter but also willing to treat her like a biological daughter.

  “Mom, will I have so many things when I get married in the future?”


  1080 Don’t Torture Others

  Zhai Hua, who was chewing an apple, turned and stared at Miao Jing.

  Miao Jing flung her hands without care. “Don’t forget. You are someone who will be ‘taking in’ a husband. The dowry will be prepared by the Tian family. I don’t need to worry over that.”

  The Zhai family had not yet reached out to the Tian family after knowing that they were back. Nevertheless, the Tian family had already contacted the Zhai family and expressed that they would like to have a meal together as everyone was former neighbors from the ‘old quad’.

  Unfortunately, before the Zhai family could respond, the Tian family had to rush back to the capital after praying to their ancestors. An urgent matter seemed to have cropped up at their end. They left a message for the Zhai family, saying that the two families could have a meal cum gathering when the Zhai family moved to the capital.

  Miao Jing smiled at the attitude of the Tian family. It seemed that she still had the chance to watch her daughter get married in this lifetime.

  Zhai Hua snorted continuously. “Dongzi is the only child in the Tian family. That was just a joke as he was still young and ignorant at that time. If the Tian family can bear to let me take in their only son as our son-in-law, I promise that I will marry him immediately, whether I like him or not.”

  Miao Jing brought up Dongzi to make a joke of Zhai Hua. Zhai Hua was willing to play along and even said such words.

  This was because the mother-daughter pair knew that Dongzi couldn’t be taken in as a son-in-law.

  Anyway, this was just a joke within the family. Zhai Hua had always been thick-skinned. She was willing to take it lying down and laugh over it. She would take on whatever moves Miao Jing made.

  “The topic has strayed.” Qiao Nan reverted to the main issue. “Grandpa, this is not good, is it?”

  There were so many items. It would have cost them a bomb.

  Qiao Nan hardly received any money from her biological parents, yet she was going to take so many valuable items from outsiders. Qiao Nan dared not accept them as she felt guilty about it.

  Old Master Zhai was also surprised by Zhu Chengqi’s generosity. After thinking, he spoke, “A typical person won’t have so much money to arrange so many items unless they did something that let the country down. However, the Zhu family is different, and Zhu Chengqi is a smart one. During the ten years of chaos, the Zhu family had hidden a lot of good stuff. It is not just the Zhu family. It is also the same for your master. They don’t lack money. Hence, it’s not a big deal.”

  \r \r \r

  The list of items looked quite scary. Nevertheless, the Zhu family had such capability.

  “But the Zhu family still has Zhu Baoguo.” Qiao Nan still could not bring herself to accept the items. “Zhu Baoguo will certainly need betrothal presents when he marries a wife in the future.”

  To be realistic, she was not even considered a fictive kin, yet she could get so many dowries from the Zhu family.

  If Zhu Baoguo’s future partner were to find out about this matter, what would she think of it? What if this woman were to kick up a fuss with the Zhu family because of this matter? She would feel so embarrassed.

  “Nan Nan, Zhu Chengqi is the head of the Zhu family. The woman that Zhu Baoguo marries in the future has to be approved by Zhu Chengqi.” Zhao Yaohui asked Qiao Nan not to be overly worried.

  The woman who could make Zhu Chenqi nod his head would certainly be a smart one. She would definitely not kick up a fuss with Zhu Chengqi or Zhu Baoguo because of such a small matter.

  People who were so improvident to create a din for such a matter could forget about entering the Zhu family.

  “Alright, it’s late. Let’s go and sleep. The date of the wedding banquet is arriving soon. Fortunately, this house is not small and we can accommodate all those items.” Old Master Zhai yawned.

  The elderly members of other families could not sleep as they advanced in years.

  It was not sure if Old Master Zhai was in high and good spirits due to many joyous events happening, but he was full of vigor and seemed to be getting younger and younger as days went by. That vitality of his was not any less than that of youngsters. He insisted to keep to the routine of sleeping and waking up early. His health was excellent.

  Old Master Zhai stood up and made a rare comment. “Zhai Sheng, don’t torture people these two nights.”

  At the sight of his granddaughter-in-law’s dark eye circles becoming increasingly obvious, this was the first time Old Master Zhai felt that his usually calm grandson was actually a young and immature lad. He had no boundaries in loving his granddaughter-in-law. His mature and stable character in the past seemed to have grown wings and flew away.

  Of course, Old Master Zhai’s heart ached that his grandson was already over twenty years of age before he finally got to ‘hug’ his granddaughter-in-law. He was aware of Zhai Sheng’s ‘passion’ toward Qiao Nan.

  However, his heart also ached for Qiao Nan, this granddaughter-in-law.

  No matter how proud he was of his grandson, Old Master Zhai had not forgotten the age difference between his grandson and his granddaughter-in-law, who was twenty-six years and twenty-one years old respectively.

  His granddaughter-in-law was still very young. She needed more care and protection.

  If he were to continue to let his grandson have his way, Old Master Zhai was worried that his grandson’s ‘passion’ would scare his granddaughter-in-law away, and the two would not be able to collect their wedding certificate.

  After throwing such embarrassing words, Old Master Zhai swayed back into his own room, leaving behind a group of juniors staring at one another, speechless.

  Zhai Yaohui stood up calmly and held on to Miao Jing’s waist as they returned to their room.

  Zhai Hua was so angry that she kept snorting like an old cow. She was thinking in private. If that young lad of the Tian family had not gone to the capital, she would definitely catch hold of ‘Lady Tian’ and become a pair with ‘her’.

  Old Master Zhai yearned for a great-grandchild. He had already been through life and thick and thin with his old partner. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were also getting along very well in recent years. As for Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, they were head over heels for each other. Zhai Hua was the only single one in the whole family now.

  Facing these public displays of affection from her kin, Zhai Hua was so furious that she was scratching her lungs.

  In the past, she had wanted to find a man as she wanted someone to dote on and love her like a princess. Now, Zhai Hua purely wanted to do away with singlehood. She wanted to work hard in finding a man to pair up with.

  When Zhai Sheng brought Qiao Nan back to the bedroom and shut the door, Qiao Nan immediately jumped onto the bed after kicking kicked Zhai Sheng. “I am too embarrassed to face anyone……”

  Zhai Sheng did not have much reaction. However, the speed at which he undressed did not slow down at all.

  When Qiao Nan was still feeling annoyed, she had already been pressed down by Zhai Sheng. She glared at him. “Have you forgotten grandpa’s words?!”

  Zhai Sheng was slowly undressing Qiao Nan as he spoke neither too quickly nor slowly, “I didn’t. I remember them very clearly. Also, I am conscientiously executing them. Old Master Zhai wishes for a grandchild.” If he did not ‘work hard’, would the old master have any ‘great-grandchild’ to carry?

  Since he was a child, he listened to the old master most. In particular, he had to obey him for this kind of matter.

  “Grandpa said that you are not allowed to torture me these few days.” Qiao Nan pushed her hands on Zhai Sheng’s chest, which was as hard as steel. However, her strength could not surpass that of Zhai Sheng. She could only allow Zhai Sheng to come closer and closer to her until their bodies were plastered together.

  When Qiao Nan wrapped herself up so tightly, she could not stop Zhai Sheng. Now, she had been thoroughly undressed by Zhai Sheng. She couldn’t do anything.

  When Zhai Sheng lowered his body and entered Qiao Nan, he overpowered all of Qiao Nan’s subsequent words.

  It was only when Qiao Nan was feeling dizzy that she felt like crying but there were no tears.